Computer Simulation of Stationary Energy Production from Biomass by Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells

This paper presents an integrated approach to the steady state and dynamic simulation of fuel cells and power generation processes. Attention is devoted to Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) due to the relative low cost, simple construction and flexibility of use of the fuel. Two models are used in this work, both recently presented in the literature: (i) a steady state model simulating a global (MCFC) power plant and (ii) a dynamic model for the same cell (MCFC). The models are based on real plant data and the simulations are selected according to real operating conditions. The computer simulation is finally applied to a feasibility study of a MCFC coupled with a biomass gasification process. This paper reports the results of computer simulation for a realistic configuration of a power system generated by MCFC, focusing on macroscopic quantities of interest such as stack efficiency, global process electrical efficiency, co-generative efficiency, integrated with a consistent dynamic model of the cell able to consider microscopic and distributed variables behaviour such as temperature and concentration in the cells. The software developed allows the in silico study of the effect of variations in the process conditions as well as modification of the input fuel, thus providing a useful tool for supporting technical decisions and feasibility studies on the use of fuel cells in developing countries.