Study on thermal performance of solar methanol reforming MCFC-GT-ST-CHP system

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 47; no. 66; pp. 28670 - 28683
• Main Authors: Zhao, Hongbin, Hou, Qinlong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2022
• Subjects: CHP system; GT-ST; MR-MCFC; Off-design condition; Solar energy; MR-MCFC; CHP system; GT-ST; Solar energy; Off-design condition
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.06.195

In recent years, fuel cells have begun to attract the attention of many countries in the world. Based on Aspen Plus, this paper constructs a distributed energy system about solar assisted Methanol reforming-Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MR-MCFC), which is combined with GT-ST power generation system and heating system. The results show that the MCFC efficiency, total electrical efficiency and total thermal efficiency of the system are 44.12%, 58.62% and 90.36%, respectively. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for exploring a new method of highly complementary utilization of solar energy and chemical energy. By analyzing the variable working conditions of the system, the complementary utilization affinity characteristics of the solar MR-MCFC and the integrated system are revealed. We will continue to innovate and optimize the system in order to provide reference for the further development of the CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system. •Propose the methanol reforming MCFC-GT-ST-CHP system with solar energy.•Realize efficient cascade utilization of involved energy in the new system.•Obtain optimized parameters through mathematical models of the new system.