Design and eco-technoeconomic analyses of SOFC/GT hybrid systems accounting for long-term degradation effects. (27th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lai, Haoxiang; Harun, Nor Farida; Tucker, David; Adams, Thomas A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: 5612
• Page End: 5629
• Publication Date: 2021-01-27
• Subjects: Solid oxide fuel cell -- SOFC/GT hybrid -- Eco-technoeconomic analysis -- Degradation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: This study compares two SOFC/GT (solid oxide fuel cell with gas turbine) hybrid systems to that of two standalone SOFC systems via eco-technoeconomic analyses that account for long-term degradation effects. Four cases were examined: 1) standalone SOFC plant without a steam bottoming cycle; 2) standalone SOFC plant with a steam bottoming cycle; 3) SOFC/GT hybrid plant without a steam bottoming cycle; and 4) SOFC/GT with a steam bottoming cycle. This study employed a real-time 1D SOFC model with an empirical degradation calculation integrated with steady-state balance-of-plant models. Simulations used Matlab Simulink R2017a, Aspen Plus V10, and Python 3.7.4 with a pseudo steady-state approach. The results showed that, with some trade-offs, the SOFC/GT hybrid plant with the steam bottoming cycle is the best option, with an overall efficiency of 44.6% LHV, an LCOE (levelized cost of electricity) of $US 77/MWh, and a CCA (cost of CO2 avoided) of -$US 49.3/tonneCO2 e. The sensitivity analysis also indicated that SOFC/GT hybrid plants were less sensitive to SOFC price compared to standalone SOFC plants. The sensitivity analysis indicated that using a larger gas turbine and replacing the SOFC stack less frequently was the better design choice for the SOFC/GT hybrid plant. Highlights: Standalone solid oxide fuel cells compared against fuel cell/gas turbine hybrids. Considers long term degradation impacts on system for up to 6 year period. Eco-technoeconomic and CO2 emissions analyses performed. Hybrid systems have lower electricity costs and lower CO2 emissions.