This research investigates the energy, financial and environmental performance of an innovative integrated gasification fuel cell combined cycle fuelled by municipal solid waste that includes hydrogen storage and electrolysis. The suitability for fuel cells to run on synthesis gas coming from the gasification of waste is determined by the sensitivity of the fuel cell to run on contaminated fuel. Out of the available fuel cell technologies solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), because of their ceramic construction and high operating temperatures, are best suited for syngas operation. Their high operating temperature ( > 650°C) and the presence of nickel at the anode means that it is possible to reform hydrocarbons to provide further hydrogen. A major contaminant to be considered in gasification systems is tar which can foul pipework and cause substantial performance losses to the plant. Experimental research on the effects of tar on a SOFC at varying concentrations and operating conditions show; that some carbon deposition serves to improve the performance of the fuel cell by reducing the ohmic resistance, and there is a tendency for the tar to reform which improves overall performance. These improvements are seen at moderate tar concentrations but at higher concentrations carbon deposition causes substantial performance degradation. Numerical simulations representing all aspects of the proposed system have been developed to understand the energy performance of the system as a whole as well as the financial and environmental benefits. Taking into account variations in the waste composition, and the wholesale electricity price the proposed system, scaled to process 100,000 tonnes of waste per year (40,000 removed for recycling), has a simple payback period of 7.2 years whilst providing CO2 savings of 13%. Over the year the proposed system will provide enough electricity to supply more than 23,000 homes and enough heat for more than 5,800 homes (supplying 25% of the electrically supplied homes).

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This paper will discuss the conversion of gas produced from biomass into liquid fuel through the combination of naturally occurring processes, which occur in landfills and anaerobic digesters, and a gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility. Landfills and anaerobic digesters produce gases (LFG) that can be converted into syngas via a Tri-reforming process and then synthesized into man-made hydrocarbon mixtures using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Further processing allows for the separation into liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel and gasoline, as well as other middle distillate fuels. Conversion of landfill gas into liquid fuels increases their energy density, ease of storage, and open market potential as a common “drop in” fuel. These steps not only allow for profitable avenues for landfill operators but potential methods to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this paper is to present a preliminary design of an innovative facility which processes contaminated biogases and produces a valuable product. An economic analysis is performed to show feasibility for a facility under base case scenario. A sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effect of different cost scenarios on the breakeven price of fuel produced. Market scenarios are also presented in order to further analyze situations where certain product portions cannot be sold or facility downtime is increased. This facility is then compared to traditional mitigation options, such as flaring and electricity generation, to assess the effect each option has on cost, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction.