Summary
New technologies are needed for electric power generation systems that are capable of higher efficiency and lower cost CO2 capture than currently achievable with combustion-based power generation. These new technologies must provide a clean CO2 stream suitable for injection and storage into underground geological reservoirs or into innovative new CO2 storage systems. Of these, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a power generation system that can perform both of these roles at very high efficiency and at multiple scales. Although SOFCs still require enhanced durability, they do not need additional costly technologies in order to exhaust nitrogen-free CO2/high grade steam. However, when used strictly for combined heat and power generation, 10 to 25% unspent fuel and lesser volumes of carbon monoxide may be present in the exhaust. The proposed research of the Birss and Kesler groups will focus on lowering unspent fuel output levels by designing and performing lab-scale tests of modified SOFC components.
Project leader(s)
Viola Birss (University of Calgary)
People
Network Investigators
Olivera Kesler (University of Toronto)