Specific characteristics of molten carbonate fuel cell in realization of electrochemical coal oxidation

The test object was a fuel cell with free molten carbonate electrolyte providing realization of direct electrochemical oxidation of solid hydrocarbons. This study involved the effect of the fuel type and dispersion as well as cathode reagent gas mixture composition to the fuel cell functional parameters. The used fuels were dispersed and monolithic graphite, anthracite, and jet coal specimens. The effect of oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio on the mixture fed to cathode to the open circuit cell voltage and achieved current density levels was studied with respect to interrelation of the processes taking place in the cathode and anode units of the fuel cell. A correlation was noted between the specific fuel cell characteristics and hydrogen content in the fuel material. The highest level of current density and specific power was recorded for jet coal characterized with high hydrogen content. The different characteristics of monolithic and dispersed fuel specimens were accounted for by the effect of losses at contacts between particles. Achievement of high current density and specific power was demonstrated by using dispersed coal fuel.