Wood gasification integrated with fuel cells

Techno-economic assessments of systems which integrate biomass gasification with fuel cell modules (molten carbonate or phosphoric acid) for electricity generation are presented. The wood-fired Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell was found to be suitable where high heat/electricity values were required, but had low electrical efficiency. Electrical efficiencies of 13–17% are typical for these systems, as are Break-even Electricity Selling Prices (BESPs) of 10–20 p/kWh and specific investments of around £3000–£7500/kWe. This technology is unlikely to be considered for further development as an electricity generation system.