Abstract
In this study, a novel powering system for clean railway applications is proposed which is based on an intermediate-temperature Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) integrated with a gas turbine Brayton cycle and steam and ammonia-organic Rankine cycles as power-producing waste heat recovery systems along with a reversible heat pump for space heating and cooling purposes. Both energy and exergy analyses are conducted on this system for such an application to evaluate it thermodynamically. At the reference case for operating a passenger train, the integrated system has both energy and exergy efficiencies of 68.50% and 66.35%, respectively. Also, a parametric study is presented to understand how different variables can affect the overall performance of the system in terms of efficiencies and electric power outputs delivered to the passenger train. Optimum operating points are suggested and they achieve maximum energy and exergy efficiencies of 79.88% and 77.48%. Redirection of some of the fuel stream to the combustor has a positive effect on the overall efficiency of the system. It can further help the system reach an energy efficiency of almost 79.88% up from 65% for the SOFC alone.
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