FuelCell Energy, Inc.
STEAM METHANE REFORMING UNIT FOR CARBON CAPTURE

Abstract:

A molten carbonate fuel cell-powered system for capturing carbon dioxide produced by a steam methane reformer system. Tail gas from a pressure swing adsorption system is mixed with exhaust gas from the fuel cell anode, then pressurized and cooled to extract liquefied carbon dioxide. The residual low-CO.sub.2 gas is directed to an anode gas oxidizer, to the anode, to the reformer to be burned for fuel, and/or to the pressure swing adsorption system. Low-CO.sub.2 flue gas from the reformer can be vented to the atmosphere or directed to the anode gas oxidizer. Reduction in the amount of CO.sub.2 reaching the fuel cell allows the fuel cell to be sized according to the power demands of the system and eliminates the need to export additional power output.