High temperature corrosion in Molten carbonate fuel cells for power generation

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) are promising electrochemical devices for high efficiency power generation. Typical operating temperatures, ranging between 600 degreesC and 700 degreesC, allow generation of high grade waste heat that can be used for a bottoming cycle, fuel processing and methane reforming. High temperature operation, however, together with carbonate melt corrosivity, is a drawback of this technology unless proper solutions are adopted. In fact the high temperature corrosion of cell. components and of plant subsystems requires an accurate material selection and the development of protective coatings to reach the life target expected for a commercial power generator. This paper focuses on high temperature corrosion of selected cell and stack components, with reference to recent tests of bench scale cells, of laboratory stacks and of a 100 kW proof-of concept plant, jointly carried out by Ansaldo Ricerche and ENEL Ricerca together with other Italian and Spanish Partners. Present Ansaldo Ricerche activities aimed to set up effective and economically viable solutions to the main corrosion problems are outlined.