Co-Production of Renewable Hydrogen and Electricity

Co-production of renewable hydrogen and electricity using high temperature fuel cells offers a potentially attractive option for the hydrogen infrastructure. The multiple co-products help to increase the overall value proposition. High temperature fuel cell (DFC®) systems produce their own hydrogen internally. Over 60 global units have produced >250 million kWh at customer sites. In California alone, more than 10,000 kg H2/day is being produced in units, mostly from renewable fuels, such as digester gas. Electrochemical Hydrogen Separation (EHS) systems, currently under development at FCE, can separate the hydrogen produced in the DFC® system with relatively low energy consumption and do not require pressurization. The separation process is virtually emission-free. A full-scale EHS stack has been operated for more than 5,000 hours. Plant efficiencies of ~65% are projected for hydrogen + electricity, before waste heat recovery. Technology development status and the potential benefits of this co-production system for civilian as well as military use are discussed.