Planning a Commercial Fuel Cell Installation

Abstract

Fuel cell power plants represent a unique opportunity for industrial users to combine on-site electricity generation and heat recovery with high efficiencies and no significant environmental releases. Thus in some circumstances, the fuel cell may be the best option for industrial cogeneration in locations with environmental restrictions. Because of the modular nature of fuel cell plants, unit ratings can be easily tailored for specific user needs. Bechtel is currently working with International Fuel Cells on plant design and marketing for the 11 MW PC23 Fuel Cell Power Plant program, now being offered for electric utility applications. The utility industry offers a nearly uniform market large enough to permit recovery of design, commercial development and manufacturing start-up costs for a standardized plant. This paper discusses the features of these plants that will contribute to the high availability needed for industrial applications. The added advantages of powering the fuel cell with the hydrogen-rich feedstocks often available in refinery and chemical plants and operating in a cogeneration mode are presented as further incentives for anticipating development of commercial, units for industrial applications.