MEMBRANE REACTORS: KEY TECHNOLOGY FOR PRODUCTION OF DE-CARBONISED ENERGY CARRIERS

摘要

Pre-Combustion De-Carbonisation (PCDC) has been identified as promising concept to capture CO_2 in power generation systems. Membrane reactors are expected to play a key role in the development in novel PCDC schemes, next to gas turbines and fuel cells. This paper focuses on the application of membrane reactors with hydrogen separating membranes. A generalized layout of systems for power production with H_2 membranes is discussed. An analysis revealed that the systems all exhibited certain key elements, with several options to fulfil the function in that element. The combination of a shift membrane burner (SMB) and an SOFC offer the possibility for high-efficiency power generation with CO_2 capture. The impact of the fuel efficiency on the system efficiency and key system parameters is discussed. Optimum efficiency was found at a fuel utilisation of 75.5%. The integration of a membrane reformer (MREF) in a gas turbine cycle offers the possibility for power production with a low carbon capture penalty. The results of an economic analysis are provided, which give targets for membrane development. The membrane flux target is 50-100 kW/m~2 at corresponding membrane costs of 700-1400 ?/m~2.