Performance evaluation of a SOFC-PEM electrolysis power system by feeding mixed fuel (natural gas and hydrogen)

In the present research, the influence of feeding SOFC unit with mixed fuel using hydrogen from PEM and naturals gas from the grid is investigated. Natural gas as the primary source of energy is chosen to drive a novel integration of photovoltaic with SOFC systems. Hydrogen is achieved through a Photovoltaic system to electrolyze water via a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. For each component of the proposed system, mass and energy balance equations have been applied to study the performance of the system. Thermodynamics models have been developed to examine the feasibility of producing more electrical power. Results designate that increasing the molar ratio of hydrogen in the mixture up to ۵۰% could increase the fuelcell voltage and the system net output power up to ۲%. In addition, it is found that PEM temperature could not affect the net output power of the system while an increase in the PEM operating temperature could increase slightly the system efficiency.

Keywords:

SOFC , PEM , Hydrogen , Photovoltaic solar system