GHG Emission Reductions Using Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Pollution Abatement

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are highly efficient electrical cogeneration systems that operate at temperatures of 850 to 1000degC. This attribute allows for the steam reforming of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen and carbon monoxide constituents without the need for extensive gas clean-up processes. Natural gas and propane are the more common conventional fuels used in SOFC systems. Coal methane gas, biogases, and waste derived gases have also been investigated as potential fuels for use in SOFCs. In recent years, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from industrial paint and coating processes have been explored as a new fuel source for SOFCs. Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd., in conjunction with Ford Motor Company, successfully demonstrated an SOFC-based, proof of concept VOC abatement system at Ford´s Rouge River Plant in July 2003. This proof of concept system utilized a reformer system to convert the VOCs into a H₂ and CO rich gas that was subsequently used to fuel a 5 kW SOFC. Feasibility studies have shown that an SOFC-based abatement system can provide reasonable financial payback periods. This type of system also benefits from significantly reduced GHG emissions in comparison to conventional VOC abatement technologies.