Bentley J., Tao T.
CellTech Power LLC, US
Keywords: biomass, biopower, fuel cell, renewable energy
Currently biomass contributes only 1% of U.S. electric power despite available resources to provide over 20%. Barriers to increased use of biopower include low efficiency of current generators, high capital cost, low fuel energy, feedstock variability and the inability to scale to small power ranges. In a carbon constrained world, increased use of biopower can simultaneously address energy independence and climate change drivers while providing economic growth. Increased biomass utilization in the power sector will enhance energy security, create jobs and enables a net-negative CO2 process. The Liquid Tin Anode Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (LTA-SOFC) is an early stage transformational technology that addresses these barriers by simple, highly efficient, direct conversion of biomass to electricity. Direct biomass and fossil fuel power generation has been proven in the LTA-SOFC at the single cell level with demonstrated efficiencies as high as 55%. System level analysis has projected biomass powerplant efficiency of over 50%. LTA-SOFC Direct Biomass will deliver all of the renewable benefits of biomass while reducing emissions and feedstock usage by 2-3X.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 632 - 635
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Materials for Oil & Gas
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6