Integration of direct carbon fuel cells with concentrated solar power

In this paper, we will report on a study on the thermodynamic feasibility of a concept that realizes the cracking of methane with a concentrated solar power (CSP) reactor and electricity production with a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) and its possible contribution to a clean energy supply for Europe in the long-term future. The natural gas (methane) is decomposed in an endothermic reaction into hydrogen and carbon. The separated carbon is fed to a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) and converted with high efficiency to electric power. A model of the proposed concept is carried out in the flow sheet program Cycle-Tempo and the results of the simulations and the corresponding analysis are presented in this paper. Finally the location factors influencing the implementation of this concept in the north of Africa are evaluated. Copyright (C) 2010, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.