Caitlin Connelly | MEL Candidate | Dec 16, 2022
Mentor: Alfonso Lugo, TC Energy
Abstract
A feasibility study into the utilization of molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) for carbon capture from turbocompressor flue gas at natural gas compressor stations was undertaken. A techno- economic assessment determined that if integrating a 1.4MW MCFC module from FuelCell Energy (a leading manufacturer of the technology), the calculated amount of carbon captured is approximately 4% of the turbocompressor flue gas and can produce approximately 700kW in carbon capture mode. Taking into consideration the current technology capital cost of $30MM, approximated operating costs of $600k, the increasing carbon price that the company facility is subjected to, electricity generation profits if sold back to the grid, and CO2 credits from energy generation, the NPV of the system is -$21MM for an assumed system life span of 10 years.
Economic feasibility is also dependent on the future capital cost reduction potential, and current funding opportunities. The break-even capital cost of the technology was calculated as $9.5MM, and until then, the system could still be financially viable due to funding opportunities. Additional feasibility considerations studied included technical sensitivity, performance comparison with more mature carbon capture technology (i.e., post-combustion anime), supply chain options, and technology maturity. A roadmap to implementation is being developed for the company regarding this technology that outlines current industry projects to keep an eye on, R&D requirements, pilot project requirements, and a projected growth strategy.