A novel multi-generation energy harvesting system integrating photovoltaic and solid oxide fuel cell technologies

Abstract

This paper designs a new multi-generation system based on solar tower power supply, integrating a solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine system, a supercritical recompressed carbon dioxide cycle, a Rankine cycle, an organic Rankine cycle, a compressed air energy storage system and a liquefied natural gas system. The aim is to overcome the intermittent and unstable nature of the solar power supply and ensure continuous power generation throughout the day, as well as improving the energy efficiency of the solar power system and minimising exhaust emissions from the integrated system. The system is modelled and evaluated in terms of energy, exergy, environment and economy. The results show the solar system energy efficiency of 10.09%, the total system energy efficiency of 19.28%, a round-trip efficiency of 58.66% and an exergetic round-trip efficiency of 52.06%, preventing the emission of 2090 tons of CO2 (a total of $50175 in environmental fines) per year. Finally, the proposed system was applied to a case study in the Xixiangtang district of Nanning, China, where the system, combined with real data, produced 24.8 MWh of electricity on the day with the highest direct of normal irradiance. In addition, the results of the economic analysis show the dynamic payback period is 6.9 years.