O-11　Development of direct carbon fuel cells for effective use of unutilized biomass

Abstract

Direct carbon fuel cells (DCFCs) are expected to be useful devices that effectively utilize carbon resources such as biomass. We are working on the development of a several kW DCFC system for effective use of unutilized biomass. In this report, the possibility of DCFC is discussed through power generation tests using fuel assumed plant biomass. Three types of activated carbon with different particle sizes were used as fuel, and purge gas containing several percent of H₂ and H₂O was supplied into the vessel to simulate the volatile components of biomass. The smaller the activated carbon particle size was, the higher the output voltage of the DCFC was. In addition, it was found that continuous power generation is possible when several percent of H₂ is contained in the vessel.