Efficiency Evaluation of Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells in Combined Cycle Operations

Author(s):  
C. M. Colson ◽  
M. H. Nehrir ◽  
M. C. Deibert ◽  
M. R. Amin ◽  
C. Wang

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are high-temperature, high-efficiency, combustionless electrochemical energy conversion devices that have potential for combined cycle applications. This paper intends to clarify and expand the efficiency discussions related to SOFC when operating in combined cycle (CC) systems. A brief analysis of the first and second thermodynamic laws is conducted and, building upon a previously developed SOFC dynamic model, operating fuel heating values are determined by utilizing the semi-empirical gas phase heat capacity method. As a result, accurate SOFC stack operational simulations are conducted to calculate its efficiency based on actual thermodynamic parameters. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted of a combined SOFC-CC system using dynamic modeling. Simulation results are given, which are intended to aid researchers in evaluating hybrid SOFC-CC generation systems.

2016 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 48-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. dos Santos-Gómez ◽  
J.M. Porras-Vázquez ◽  
F. Martín ◽  
J.R. Ramos-Barrado ◽  
E.R. Losilla ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Cam-Anh Thieu ◽  
Sungeun Yang ◽  
Ho-Il Ji ◽  
Hyoungchul Kim ◽  
Kyung Joong Yoon ◽  
...  

Thin-film solid oxide fuel cells (TF-SOFCs) effectively lower the operating temperature of typical solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) below 600 °C, while maintaining high efficiency and using low-cost catalyst. But...


Author(s):  
Ghzzai Almutairi

AbstractIt is widely accepted that solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent a promising energy conversion approach that deliver a myriad of benefits including low environment pollution, high efficiency, and system compactness. This paper describes the construction of a basic model based on ohmic considerations, mass transfer, and kinetics that can effectively evaluate the performance of small button SOFCs. The analysis of the data indicates that there is a close alignment between the cell potential calculated using the model and previous experimental data. As such, it can be concluded that the model can be employed to optimize, evaluate, or control the design parameters within a SOFC system.


2010 ◽  
Vol 654-656 ◽  
pp. 2875-2878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert H. Menzler ◽  
Wolfgang Schafbauer ◽  
Feng Han ◽  
Oliver Büchler ◽  
Robert Mücke ◽  
...  

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) enable environmentally friendly energy to be produced with high efficiency. The market entry of SOFC systems depends on the functionality of the components and on the costs. The SOFC has not yet reached market maturity. This presentation focuses on the possibilities for manufacturing SOFCs with high power outputs and long-term durability by using manufacturing technologies feasible in industry. For the past 15 years, FZ Jülich has been developing large-size so-called anode-supported SOFCs (up to 200 x 200 mm²) with reproducibly high power output (> 2 A/cm² at 800°C). Novel technologies for high-capacity manufacturing such as tape casting and roller coating have been introduced. Additionally, newly developed thin-film techniques have led to power outputs of more than 3 A/cm² at 800°C and more than 1.5 A/cm² below 700°C. These high power densities open up new possibilities for the operation of SOFCs at low temperatures to ensure low degradation and therefore long lifetimes.


Author(s):  
Olexander Agarkov ◽  
Kostyantyn Shevchuk ◽  
Yurii Ivanyna

In previous articles on this topic [1-3] we examined the perspectives of application of power plants based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as auxiliary power plants as well as range extenders for heavy freight transport [1,2] and cars [3]: we considered experience of USA [1], Europe [2] and Japan [3]. We showed, that such kind of systems give opportunity to obtain electrical power from chemical energy of hydrocarbon fuel oxidation with record-high efficiency (much higher than competitive solutions) in order to supply on-board vehicle systems during stops of main engine, as well as to significantly extend the range of electrical vehicles by means of constant charge of batteries directly during motional and their discharge due to operation of electrical engine. In current manuscript, we examine the world first experience of SOFC power plant application as range extender for electrical buses. Group of Ceres Power (UK) and Weichai Power (China) companies executed a corresponding project. As a result of project execution system prototype with power output of 30 kW was developed and manufactured, tests on bus lines are planned to be executed in nearest future. The system examined in current manuscript is the most powerful in comparison to other systems studied in this set of manuscripts: 30 kW against 1.5 and 9 kW [1], 3 kW [2] as well as 5 kW [3] for systems examined in previous works. Examined system uses compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel; this hydrocarbon is very convenient one due to well-developed distribution network, ecological cleanness in comparison with more complex and heavy hydrocarbon mixtures. Application of low-temperature fuel cells (with proton-exchange membrane), which are more simple in manufacture, in automobile transport leads to the demand in development of hydrogen supply networks, which is not developed nowadays at all.


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