Biogas-fed solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) coupled to tri-reforming process: Modelling and simulation

Abstract

The present work deals with the modelling, simulation and model validation of a biogas-fed tri-reformer followed by a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for power generation, and a furnace for pre-heating of the stream entering the system. In order to predict results on a micro-scale plant, the PRO/II® software was used for the simulation of the tri-reforming process, while ad-hoc models were developed for the SOFC and the furnace. Experimental results were outlined in a previous work [Lo Faro M, Vita A, Pino L, Aricò AS. Performance evaluation of a solid oxide fuel cell coupled to an external biogas tri-reforming process. Fuel Processing Technology 2013; 115:238–45]. The overall system model was validated with the experimental data carried out with a laboratory scale equipment. The performance achieved on the simulated micro-scale plant was low, due to the modelled experimental conditions; nonetheless, the inherent flexibility of the model allows its application in the assessment of larger systems operating in real conditions.