Highly Efficient Energy Integration: Thermodynamic Analysis of Heat Recovered from SOFC Through S-CO2 And Kalina Cycles

Abstract

This study focuses on the implementation of a highly efficient energy integration using solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. A detailed thermodynamic analysis of the integration of heat energy obtained from SOFC into the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (S-CO2) cycle and the Kalina cycle aims to assess its effectiveness, sustainability, and economic performance in energy systems. The study presents a thermodynamic analysis encompassing the integration of SOFC technology into an energy system, as well as the integration of the heat energy obtained into the S-CO2 cycle, Kalina cycle, and hot water production. The high energy efficiencies, low carbon emissions, and economic advantages individually achieved by SOFC, S-CO2 cycle, and Kalina cycle are significantly enhanced when integrated into a cohesive system. The integrated system analysis results show an energy efficiency of 89.1%, an exergy efficiency of 64.6%, and an exergetic sustainability index of 0.83, demonstrating that this integration provides an energy solution with high efficiency, sustainability, and a low carbon footprint. Thermodynamic analyses were performed using the EES (Engineering Equation Solver) software. The main contribution of this study is the introduction of innovative approaches to energy efficiency and exergy analysis. The system achieves high energy efficiency through the integration of SOFC and the Kalina cycle. Particularly, optimizing the thermal management of the SOFC and utilizing the ammonia-water mixture more efficiently in the Kalina cycle brings significant improvements in the system's energy and exergy efficiency. These analyses demonstrate higher efficiency and sustainability compared to existing systems, emphasizing the originality of this approach.