The optimal performance of solid oxide fuel cell-thermoelectric generator hybrid system

Abstract

The model of a class of irreversible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and the semiconductor thermoelectric generator (TEG) hybrid power system is established. The general expressions of several important performance parameters of the system such as the power output, efficiency, and minimum electric current density of the hybrid system are derived, based on the theory of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The performance characteristics and optimal the performance of the hybrid system are analyzed. The optimum conditions for maximum efficiency or maximum output power of the hybrid system are given. The optimal regions of several important performance parameters of the hybrid system are determined. The influences of some of the main irreversibility on the optimal performance of the system are discussion in detail. Some significant new conclusions are obtained. The results obtained will provide theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of practical power hybrid system.