Design and evaluation of a novel SOFC-driven multi-generation system

Abstract

Parametric evaluation and thermodynamics first-law examination of a novel multigeneration system, which is comprised of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell/gas turbine (SOFC/GT) system, a heat recovery heat exchanger, an ERC (ejector refrigeration cycle), and a PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzer, is conducted. The proposed multigeneration set-up produces refrigeration output, electricity output, heating output, and hydrogen, simultaneously. An exhaustive analytical evaluation of the introduced system is presented and findings are testified by accessible data. The findings showed that the introduced set-up yields heating load, refrigeration load, net electricity, and H2 rate of 277 kW, 84.42 kW, 184.2 kW, and 1.433 kg/h, correspondingly. Under this circumstance, the overall energetic efficiency of the integrated system was calculated around 79.5%. In addition, a thoroughgoing parametric examination for the reckoned set-up is revealed on the basis of central factors. It is reckoned that the energetic efficiency is aggrandized at relatively high SOFC current densities, SOFC inlet temperatures, gas turbine outlet pressures, pinch point temperature differences of heat exchanger 5, ejector primary fluid pressures, and evaporating temperatures or at low compressor pressure ratios and condensing temperatures. Further, the results indicated that the introduced system’s performance may be maximized regarding the SOFC inlet temperature into account.