Electrochemical Modeling and Techno -Economic Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Residential Applications

Abstract

In this paper, an electrochemical model was developed to investigate the performance analysis of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). The curves of voltage, power, efficiency, and the generated heat of cell have been analyzed to accomplish a set of optimal operating conditions. Further, a sensitivity analysis of major parameters that have a remarkable impact on the economy of the SOFC and its residential applications has been conducted. The results illustrate that the current density and cell performance temperature have vital effects on the system efficiency, output power and heat generation of cell of the SOFC. The best system efficiency is approached up to 53.34 % while implementing combined heat and power generation might be further improved up to 86 %. The economic evaluation results indicate that parameters such as overall efficiency, natural gas price and additional produced electricity that has prone to be sold to the national power grid, have a significant impact on the SOFC economy. The results indicate the strong reduction in the purchasing cost of the SOFC, i.e. not more than $2500, and improving the electrical efficiency of SOFC, i.e. not less than 42 %, can be the breakeven points of investment on such systems in residential applications. Also, it is found that the target of this SOFC cogeneration system for residential applications in Iran is relying on considerable technological enhancement of the SOFC, as well as life cycle improvement; improvement in governmental policies; and profound development in infrastructures to mitigate legal constraints.

Integration of solar dryer with a hybrid system of gasifier‐solid oxide fuel cell/micro gas turbine: Energy, economy, and environmental analysis

“…The usage of fossil fuels has soared astronomically in worldwide and sooner or later will be dwindled 1 . On the other hand, biomass, due to its ample reserves, has been considered as a vital energy resource on the earth to be replaced 2,3 .…”

“…The usage of fossil fuels has soared astronomically in worldwide and sooner or later will be dwindled. 1 On the other hand, biomass, due to its ample reserves, has been considered as a vital energy resource on the earth to be replaced. 2,3 Also, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is one of the most promising technologies for power production in the future due to its high efficiency compared to rival technologies and its environmentally friendly energy production aspect.…”