Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Operation With Dual Fuel Flexibility

The ability to operate highly-efiicient, pollution-free, distributed-generation power plants on either natural gas or HD-5 grade propane is of interest to the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as secure power for critical power operations. To address this interest, Concurrent Technologies Corporation CTC teamed with FuelCell Energy FCE to test an internally reforming 250 kW carbonate direct fuel cell using HD-5 propane. This fuel cell power plant, originally designed to operate on pipeline natural gas or digester gas, was modified for dual fuel operation natural gas and propane. Fuel cell operation using HD-5 propane was demonstrated for over 3,900 hrs and achieved high electrical efficiency 45.7 to 47.1 percent lower heating value LHV over a broad range of power outputs. In addition, instantaneous and on-load fuel switching from natural gas to propane and back was demonstrated without loss of power. This dual fuel power plant operated efficiently on either fuel and can provide the U.S. Army and other power users with a viable technology solution for critical power operations.