Abstract
An overview of the research activities and on-going multiple projects at Delft University of Technology aimed at the development of Gasifier–Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) based power plants are presented. Biosyngas generated in gasifiers consists of a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), nitrogen (N2), water vapor (H2O), and minor impurities. Biosyngas can be a good fuel for SOFCs provided that the gas is sufficiently cleaned. Influence of biosyngas compositions and biomass-derived contaminants on SOFCs is presented and the removal of potential contaminants such as tar, particulates, H2S, HCl, and alkali compounds from biosyngas is discussed. It appears that the gasification product gas can be cleaned to meet the requirements of SOFCs using currently known gas cleaning methods. Additionally, a brief discussion on the achievable system efficiencies with gasifier–SOFC systems is presented. Innovative applications of the gasifier-SOFC systems being developed at Delft, such as advanced gasifier–SOFC systems for toilet development, are also presented.