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  • Production of Fischer–Trops...
    Becker, W.L.; Braun, R.J.; Penev, M.; Melaina, M.

    Energy (Oxford), 11/2012, Volume: 47, Issue: 1
    Journal Article

    A model for high temperature co-electrolysis (HTCE) of carbon dioxide and water using solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOEC) for syngas production and subsequent conversion to liquid fuels by a Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) process is presented. The SOEC model is guided by experimental data from the literature, and the model is employed to explore the effect of temperature, pressure, and feedstock composition on syngas composition exiting the SOEC. The syngas is converted in a slurry bubble column F–T synthesis reactor in which the model approach of a once-through conversion of carbon monoxide is chosen, and the distribution of hydrocarbon products is determined by the Anderson–Schulz–Flory model. The overall system efficiency for liquid hydrocarbon fuels produced from electrical energy is found to be 54.8% HHV (51.0%-LHV). It is determined that operating the SOEC at low pressure (1.6 bar) versus higher pressure (5 bar) results in an efficiency gain of 2.6%. The economics of the production plant are evaluated for variations in electricity feedstock costs and operating capacity factors. The liquid fuels production costs range from 4.4 $/GGE to 15.0 $/GGE for electricity prices of 0.02 $/kWh to 0.14 $/kWh and a plant capacity factor of 90% to 40%, respectively. ▸ Detailed modeling of both SOEC operation and F–T synthesis and distillation is presented. ▸ SOEC syngas production and system performance sensitivities to operating pressure are explored. ▸ Results indicate lower pressure SOEC operation is favored for F–T synthesis. ▸ Fuel production efficiencies of 50.1%-HHV are reported and detailed economic costing is performed. ▸ Liquid fuels production cost estimates are made and range from 3.3 $/GGE to 18.3 $/GGE.