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Externally reformed solid oxide fuel cell–micro-gas turbine (SOFC–MGT) hybrid systems fueled by methanol and di-methyl-ether (DME)

Author

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  • Cocco, D.
  • Tola, V.

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cell–micro-gas turbine (SOFC–MGT) hybrid power plants integrate a solid oxide fuel cell and a micro-gas turbine and can achieve efficiencies of over 60% even for small power outputs (200–500kW). The SOFC–MGT systems currently developed are fueled with natural gas, which is reformed inside the same stack, but the use of alternative fuels can be an interesting option. In particular, as the reforming temperature of methanol and di-methyl-ether (DME) (200–350°C) is significantly lower than that of natural gas (700–900°C), the reformer can be sited outside the stack. External reforming in SOFC–MGT plants fueled by methanol and DME enhances efficiency due to improved exhaust heat recovery and higher voltage produced by the greater hydrogen partial pressure at the anode inlet. The study carried out in this paper shows that the main operating parameters of the fuel reforming section (temperature and steam-to-carbon ratio (SCR)) must be carefully chosen to optimise the hybrid plant performance. For the stoichiometric SCR values, the optimum reforming temperature for the methanol fueled hybrid plant is approximately 240°C, giving efficiencies of about 67–68% with a SOFC temperature of 900°C (the efficiency is about 72–73% at 1000°C). Similarly, for DME the optimum reforming temperature is approximately 280°C with efficiencies of 65% at 900°C (69% at 1000°C). Higher SCRs impair stack performance. As too small SCRs can lead to carbon formation, practical SCR values are around one for methanol and 1.5–2 for DME.

Suggested Citation

  • Cocco, D. & Tola, V., 2009. "Externally reformed solid oxide fuel cell–micro-gas turbine (SOFC–MGT) hybrid systems fueled by methanol and di-methyl-ether (DME)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2124-2130.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:34:y:2009:i:12:p:2124-2130
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2008.09.013
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Hao & Yang, Chen & Zhou, Nana & Farida Harun, Nor & Oryshchyn, Danylo & Tucker, David, 2020. "High efficiencies with low fuel utilization and thermally integrated fuel reforming in a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    2. Shamshiri, Mehdi & Ashrafizaadeh, Mahmud & Shirani, Ebrahim, 2012. "Advantages and disadvantages associated with introducing an extra rarefied gas layer into a rotating microsystem filled with a liquid lubricant: First and second law analyses," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 716-728.
    3. Shamshiri, Mehdi & Ashrafizaadeh, Mahmud & Shirani, Ebrahim, 2012. "Effects of rarefaction, viscous dissipation and rotation mode on the first and second law analyses of rarefied gaseous slip flows confined between a rotating shaft and its concentric housing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 359-370.
    4. Jia, Junxi & Li, Qiang & Luo, Ming & Wei, Liming & Abudula, Abuliti, 2011. "Effects of gas recycle on performance of solid oxide fuel cell power systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 1068-1075.
    5. Blanco, Elena C. & Sánchez, Antonio & Martín, Mariano & Vega, Pastora, 2023. "Methanol and ammonia as emerging green fuels: Evaluation of a new power generation paradigm," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    6. D.F. Chuahy, Flavio & Kokjohn, Sage L., 2019. "Solid oxide fuel cell and advanced combustion engine combined cycle: A pathway to 70% electrical efficiency," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 391-408.
    7. Rokni, Masoud, 2013. "Thermodynamic analysis of SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell)–Stirling hybrid plants using alternative fuels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 87-97.
    8. Noor H. Jawad & Ali Amer Yahya & Ali R. Al-Shathr & Hussein G. Salih & Khalid T. Rashid & Saad Al-Saadi & Adnan A. AbdulRazak & Issam K. Salih & Adel Zrelli & Qusay F. Alsalhy, 2022. "Fuel Cell Types, Properties of Membrane, and Operating Conditions: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-48, November.
    9. Buonomano, Annamaria & Calise, Francesco & d’Accadia, Massimo Dentice & Palombo, Adolfo & Vicidomini, Maria, 2015. "Hybrid solid oxide fuel cells–gas turbine systems for combined heat and power: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 32-85.
    10. Khani, Leyla & Mahmoudi, S. Mohammad S. & Chitsaz, Ata & Rosen, Marc A., 2016. "Energy and exergoeconomic evaluation of a new power/cooling cogeneration system based on a solid oxide fuel cell," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 64-77.
    11. Azizi, Mohammad Ali & Brouwer, Jacob, 2018. "Progress in solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid power systems: System design and analysis, transient operation, controls and optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 237-289.
    12. Doherty, Wayne & Reynolds, Anthony & Kennedy, David, 2010. "Computer simulation of a biomass gasification-solid oxide fuel cell power system using Aspen Plus," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 4545-4555.
    13. Kang, Sanggyu & Ahn, Kook-Young, 2017. "Dynamic modeling of solid oxide fuel cell and engine hybrid system for distributed power generation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C), pages 1086-1099.
    14. Santhanam, S. & Schilt, C. & Turker, B. & Woudstra, T. & Aravind, P.V., 2016. "Thermodynamic modeling and evaluation of high efficiency heat pipe integrated biomass Gasifier–Solid Oxide Fuel Cells–Gas Turbine systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 751-764.
    15. Bakalis, Diamantis P. & Stamatis, Anastassios G., 2013. "Incorporating available micro gas turbines and fuel cell: Matching considerations and performance evaluation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 607-617.
    16. Rokni, M., 2017. "Addressing fuel recycling in solid oxide fuel cell systems fed by alternative fuels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 1013-1025.
    17. Orlando Corigliano & Leonardo Pagnotta & Petronilla Fragiacomo, 2022. "On the Technology of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Energy Systems for Stationary Power Generation: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-73, November.

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