Thermodynamic optimization of a solid oxide fuel cell-combined heat and power system is the first step for its commercialization. This study suggests a thermodynamically optimized SOFC-CHP system through numerical modeling and simulation. An in-house numerical simulator is developed, which utilizes design variables of system components and their empirical correlations to enhance the accuracy of simulation. It is developed with C# language, equipped with graphical user interface by making use of Windows Presentation Foundation. Two system layout designs are comparatively analyzed: Direct Combustion Branching (DC Branching) and Direct Combustion Branching equipped with Anode exhaust gas Recirculation (DC Branching AR). The thermodynamic performance of two system layouts are compared in the aspects of efficiency and power. It is found that employing anode exhaust gas recirculation enhances thermodynamic efficiencies but reduces net electrical power.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.