ORACLE: Odorant RemovAl by Chemical Looping dEsulphurisation

Efficient distributed electricity generation using stationary fuel cells is recognised one option to address the energy trilemma, by improving the security of supply and reducing both CO2 and local emissions in a cost effective way. The ORACLE project aims to establish the technical and commercial feasibilty of novel concept to remove the sulphur containing odorants added to the natural gas supply that would otherwise poison these fuel cells. In doing so it addresses a known technology gap in the fuel cell industry. Success would quickly generate a significant new market opportunity for GR2L and Johnson Matthey, and establish Cambridge
University at the forefront of a new research area. The partners will establish whether a technology called Chemical Looping Combustion, curently used to purify argon gas, can be redesigned to selectively destroy the contaminants in natural gas, enabling them to be trapped on a safe, high capacity absorbent. The idea builds on 2 patent filings and offers the potential for a unique fuel flexible, compact purification module for fuel cell developers, with excellent performance and cost characteristics.