The Effect of Different Fuel Types on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid System Efficiency

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) operates in high temperatures (about 600-1000˚C). High temperature offers good opportunities for SOFC-Gas Turbine coupling and the possibility of running the cells directly on practical hydrocarbon fuels without the need for a complex and expensive external fuel reformer that is necessary for low-temperature fuel cells. In this study, the effect of fuel type on the electrical efficiency of SOFC and SOFC-Gas Turbine hybrid system is considered. Various fuels produce different amounts of CO2 emission per unit fuel consumption. This work compares CO2 production of SOFC and the hybrid system for various fuels. Results are obtained for two different types of reforming, namely Steam Reforming and Partial Oxidation. The effects of these two types of reforming on the electrical efficiency are also compared.

Keywords:

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell , Gas Turbine , efficiency , hydrocarbon fuel , Steam Reforming , Partial Oxidation