Thermodynamic analysis of solid oxide fuel cell & reheat and regenerative braysson cycle hybrid system integrated with steam generation

Abstract

Direct energy conversion devices like fuel cells, photo-voltaic cells, etc., are gaining prominence due to their high operating efficiencies. Further, hybrid systems consisting of fuel cells combined with bottoming power cycles are also receiving attention due to their inherent advantages. In the present study, energy analysis is conducted for a composite system consisting of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), reheat and regenerative Braysson cycle, and steam generators. The study aims to develop a mathematical model and simulate the integrated system using the MATLAB environment. The Braysson cycle's design characteristics are examined in the model to see how they might affect the combined system's energy performance. The work output, first law efficiency, energy utilization factor, etc., are estimated and thoroughly analyzed using parametrical analysis. The fuel cell power output to Braysson maximum power ratio ranges from 17.33 to 2.36, for TIT’s ranging from 400 °C to 900 °C, thus as the operating temperature of the Braysson system increases, the power generated by it reaches values closer to that of the fuel cell.