Efficient conversion of low concentration coal-bed methane into power via solid oxide fuel cells integrated the activated catalyst-modified microchannels
Mineral Materials and Advanced Energy Materials > 8. New Energy Materials
Abstract Accepted
Yang Yang / China University of Mining and Technology
Tian Li / China University of Mining and Technology
Peizhong Feng / 中国矿业大学
Yihan Ling / China University of Mining and Technology
Clean and efficient utilization of the abundant low concentration coal-bed methane (LC-CBM) via solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is highly attractive for saving energy and mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases. However, it still remains a great challenge for SOFCs as the high concentration of oxygen in LC-CBM. In this study, the effect of the oxygen concentration in oxygen-bearing LC-CBM on performance is investigated and an integrated SOFC with anode function layer (AFL) and highly active catalysts (Ni-Y2O3-Ce0.5Zr0.5O2) in vertical microchannels is proposed to improving the electrochemical performance and methane conversion efficiency. The results show that the oxygen concentration in LC-CBM has two sides: small amount of the oxygen content can boost the electrochemical process, but too much oxygen content plays a opposite effect. In order to achieve a stable, safe and efficient output performance under a relative high oxygen content, the integrated anode with AFL and active catalysts will boost the partial oxidation process of methane, resulting in the improvement of power density from 904 to 1208 mW cm-2 at 750°C and the increase of methane conversion efficiency from 23.59% to 43.22%. In addition, the coking tolerance can be dramatically enhanced. The proposed integrated SOFC provides a great application potential for the utilization of LC-CBM.