Modular system based on Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells with tailored composite membranes designed for specific flue gas compositions oriented into CCS integration with an industrial power plant
Warsaw University of Technology ·Poland
About this project
<p> </p> <p>The proposed project is focused on research and development oriented at constructing a Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilization (CCS) system based on molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) operating at flue gas stream, producing electricity and gas “Sabatier ready” for power-to-gas applications. Such a unit can be the key component of energy storage systems which realize the power-to-gas concept. In such systems the excess electricity from intermittent sources (wind and solar) is used to generate synthetic fuels. Additionally, MCFC aid in increasing the flexibility of operation of conventional power units, especially in the light of the expected frequent shutdowns as centally disposed units. Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells offer several advantages over amine installations which has an established position in the market. Project focuses on the concept development, design, construction and experimental studies of a prototype 10 kW-class system with MCFC stack, which exhibits carbon capture in excess of 90% for coal fired power in MCFC (with negative energy penalty –4 MW/kg), resulting in the additional power of approximately 30%. The MCFC stack has a modular design which makes it possible to integrate several of such units to built larger CCS systems. Carbon Dioxide can be later re-use for production of synthetic fuels using excess electricity from intermittent sources allows integration of the electrical and gas grids (sector coupling) which results in higher flexibility and security of supply of energy. Thanks to that the gas grid becomes energy storage systems. Importance of this aspect has to be noted with respect to large scale CCS. MCFC-based systems are built, contrary to other fuel cells which operated only in sub-kW scale.</p>
Bilateral cooperation results
The bilateral partnership with the Norwegian partner, SINTEF, played a crucial role in the success of the MOLCAR project. SINTEF's unique expertise in developing ceramic structures and investigating ionic conductivity, combined with their advanced laboratory equipment, was essential for the development of a new matrix for the MCFC. This collaboration allowed the project to achieve significant breakthroughs, particularly in the creation of dual-ionic conductive materials that are key to the efficiency of the MCFC system. The partnership enabled a fruitful exchange of knowledge and skills between the Polish and Norwegian teams. The shared results from the project, including the development of the new matrix, will be utilized by both parties for future work: Poland will focus on further MCFC development, while Norway will advance research into new electrolytes and CO₂ membranes. The collaboration has already led to the publication of four joint research papers and the submission of several common grant proposals, highlighting the effectiveness of the bilateral cooperation in generating meaningful scientific contributions. In addition to the tangible project results, the partnership has fostered a strong foundation for continued collaboration. The teams plan to further develop MCFC technology together in future projects, building on the successful outcomes of the MOLCAR project. This continued cooperation will not only advance research in both countries but also strengthen the broader European efforts to develop sustainable energy solutions and carbon capture technologies
Project partners
- SINTEF AS Donor project partner· Norway
- FuelCell Poland Project partner· Poland