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Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC’s) have a molten carbonate electrolyte
(usually sodium or lithium), are suited for large-scale stationary
Combined Heat and Power, and operate on hydrocarbon fuels including:
natural gas, biogas, synthesis gas (syngas), methane and propane.
 How
it Works
A major advantage of MCFC’s is that non-expensive catalysts can be used,
in conjunction with a variety of fuels. Due to high temperatures and long
start-up times, MCFC’s are unsuitable for domestic applications. There is
considerable potential for multi-megawatt applications
MCFC’s work very differently from most other types of fuel cells, and
cannot operate on pure
Hydrogen alone. High temperatures prevent the need for an external reformer,
however high temperatures also enhance corrosion and catalyse the breakdown
of components. MCFC's operate around 650°C with an electrical efficiency
of around 50% - rising to 85% with cogeneration
Chemical Equations:
Anode Reaction: CO32- + H2 »»
H2O + CO2 + 2e-
Cathode Reaction:
CO2+ ½O2 + 2e- »» CO32-
Image source - http://www.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/fuelcells/fc_types.html
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