Grid connection of MCFC applied to power plant with CO2 capture

The reduction of the greenhouse gases is one of the most important challenges in the electricity generation field. In this paper, an innovative lay-out based on the use of molten carbonate fuel cell applied to gas turbine exhaust gas is proposed to capture CO2. This solution significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions with minimal penalties on the overall efficiency. The resulting net power output of MCFC lay-out is about 20% higher than reference power cycle with an efficiency reduction of 1%point. After various simulations on the proposed plant, the connection of the fuel cells to the electric grid is discussed pointing out the necessity of the electric insulation among each stack (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.