ABSTRACT
Typically, a cogeneration system consists of a prototypical fuel cell that generates electricity and chemicals, external loads that consume the electric power generated by the fuel cell, and a chemical recoverer that separates the useful chemicals from the mixture of the product. A variety of electricity and chemical cogeneration systems have been developed. Many chemicals obtained from these processes are commercially interesting for economic and/or environmental reasons. Many efforts have been made to promote the development of fuel cell-type electricity-chemical cogeneration based on various types of fuel cells. The impetuses to develop cogeneration processes can be concluded into the following three aspects: to simplify the production of a chemical; to achieve higher product yields; and to develop an environmental benign process. Electro-cogeneration processes are a promising technology for fine chemical production. Compared to conventional fine chemical production through heterogeneous process, electro-cogeneration systems take advantages on energy conservation, economy, environment, and so on.
