The Past, Present, and Future of Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells Operating on Anaerobic Digester Gas

Abstract

With high efficiency, virtually zero emissions, and 24/7 gen-
eration capability, fuel cells represent the cleanest means of generating
continuous on-site electrical power of any available technology. When
fueled by the waste gases (anaerobic digester gas, ADG) from anaero-
bic digestion-based wastewater treatment facilities, stationary fuel cells
can turn an emissions liability into a revenue-generating asset, while
significantly reducing emissions of both air pollutants and greenhouse
gases. ADG fuel cell applications often qualify for sizeable government
incentive programs given the widespread acceptance of ADG as a re-
newable fuel. The PureCell™ fuel cell power system from UTC Power
has accumulated more than 400,000 hours of operation on ADG at 22
installations worldwide. This article will describe the capabilities of the
PureCell system operating on both natural gas and ADG, as well as the
experience gained from UTC Power’s fleet. Current and future product
offerings will be presented with speci fic emphasis on opportunities for
ADG applications.