Patent · US Active

Regeneration of molten carbonate fuel cells for deep CO2 capture

US11211621B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
67References
14Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateNov 26, 2019
Grant dateDec 28, 2021
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 26, 2039

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E60/50
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for operating molten carbonate fuel cells to allow for periodic regeneration of the fuel cells while performing elevated CO2 capture. In some aspects, periodic regeneration can be achieved by shifting the location within the fuel cells where the highest density of alternative ion transport is occurring. Such a shift can result in a new location having a highest density of alternative ion transport, while the previous location can primarily transport carbonate ions. Additionally or alternately, periodic regeneration can be performed by modifying the input flows to the fuel cell and/or relaxing the operating conditions of the fuel cell to reduce or minimize the amount of alternative ion transport.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.