Carbon dioxide capture in fuel cell power systems

The capture of carbon dioxide (C02), one of the greenhouse gases, was analytically studied for 12 different fuel cell power systems. The impact of capturing C02 was evaluated in terms of overall cycle efficiency and cost of electricity (COE). The results of this study are compared to data for other power cycles found in the literature. The fuel cell power cycles have unique characteristics that make them a favored technology should the capture of CO, become necessary. Fuel cell power cycles operate with high efficiency and are the only pratical power technology thai has the ability to keep the fuel exhaust separate from the oxidant exhaust stream after the power conversion process. This allows CO, to be removed from a low volume, high concentration spent fuel stream, making it less costly to recover.