Integration of reforming/water splitting and electrochemical systems for power generation with integrated carbon capture

Abstract

High efficiency electricity generation processes and systems with substantially zero CO2 emissions are provided. A closed looping between the unit that generates gaseous fuel (H2, CO, etc) and the fuel cell anode side is formed. In certain embodiments, the heat and exhaust oxygen containing gas from the fuel cell cathode side are also utilized for the gaseous fuel generation. The systems for converting fuel may comprise reactors configured to conduct oxidation-reduction reactions. The resulting power generation efficiencies are improved due to the minimized steam consumption for the gaseous fuel production in the fuel cell anode loop as well as the strategic mass and energy integration schemes.

1 . A system for converting carbonaceous fuel or thermal energy into electricity comprising:
 a reforming/water splitting block for converting a steam and/or CO 2  rich gas stream and carbonaceous fuel and/or thermal energy into a fuel (H 2  and/or CO) rich gas stream and an exhaust gas stream;   a fuel cell block for converting the fuel rich gas stream and an oxygen containing gas stream into a lean fuel gas stream and a spent oxygen containing gas stream from anode and cathode, respectively; and   a closed loop between the reforming/water splitting block and fuel cell block.   
     
     
         3 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which the fuel cell block comprises a solid oxide fuel cell or a molten carbonate fuel cell. 
     
     
         24 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which the carbonaceous fuel comprises syngas, carbon monoxide, methane rich gas, light hydrocarbons, liquid carbonaceous fuels, coal, biomass, tar sand, oil shale, petroleum coke, heavy liquid hydrocarbons, wax, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         25 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which less than 10% of the fuel rich or steam/CO 2  rich gas stream is purged. 
     
     
         26 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which the thermal energy comprises either solar or nuclear energy. 
     
     
         27 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which the fuel rich stream is produced through water splitting, electrolysis, sorbent or membrane enhanced reforming and/or water gas shift reaction, or steam-iron reaction. 
     
     
         28 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which the redox property of a metal oxide particle is used to assist in the carbonaceous fuel conversion. 
     
     
         29 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  in which a calcium oxide sorbent is used to enhance the carbonaceous fuel conversion.