Application analysis of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine system for marine power plants

Abstract

The results of theoretical studies of the possibilities of using hybrid solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine (SOFC-GT) systems for marine power plants are presented. A 500 kW auxiliary marine power plant scheme using stacks of SOFCs in combination with a regenerative gas turbine operating with over-expansion based on our recent patent application is proposed. The results of mathematical modelling showed the opportunity to obtain a hybrid scheme efficiency of about 55% with the optimal values of the gas turbine compression ratio 2.0–2.2 and the exhauster compressor ratio 1.3–1.4. The application of the considered hybrid SOFC-GT system gives an increase in electrical efficiency by 19% in comparison with a cycle without a gas turbine. The aerodynamic structure of chemically reacting flows in a combustor is determined, as well as the features of the formation of toxic components during the combustion of SOFC off-gas with very low heating value.