Integrated Solid Oxide Systems: Advancing Efficiency in Power Generation through Fuel Cell-Electrolyzer Coupling with Diverse Fuels

• Published in: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering Vol. 53; pp. 979 - 984
• Main Authors: Wei, Xinyi, Sharma, Shivom, Waeber, Arthur, Van Herle, Jan, Maréchal, François
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Anode Off-gas Recirculation; Carbon Capture; Oxycombustion; Solid Oxide Electrolyzer; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell; Solid Oxide Fuel Cell; Anode Off-gas Recirculation; Carbon Capture; Solid Oxide Electrolyzer; Oxycombustion
• ISBN: 9780443288241; 0443288240
• ISSN: 1570-7946
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-28824-1.50164-2

The significant increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, which is primarily caused by the combustion of fossil fuels for electricity production. Situated as an auspicious candidate in the realm of environmentally friendly energy and heat generation, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) assumes a pivotal role in confronting this pressing challenge. Usually, owing to the fact that SOFC does not achieve a 100% fuel conversion rate, unconverted fuel is combusted into a burner, and resulting gases are released into the environment. Air is commonly employed in this combustion process. However, the challenge arises when using carbon-based fuels, as the presence of nitrogen makes it challenging to capture CO2 at downstream of the burner. In this study, an innovative system has been introduced. Solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC) is coupled with SOFC. The novel SOFC-EC configuration achieves a remarkable 100% CO2 capture rate and purity when utilizing natural gas. Additionally, hydrogen as an alternative SOFC fuel has been considered. A comprehensive performance analysis has been conducted with these two distinct fuels. The evaluation incorporates multi-objective optimization, encompassing various design parameters to provide a comprehensive understanding of the system's capabilities. The active area demand for SOEC is exceptionally low, comprising a mere 4.3% of the active area required for SOFC, all the while attaining a system efficiency close to 60% and adhering to all industrial constraints. With its longterm viability, this innovative SOFC-EC system arises as a promising, compact and costeffective solution. Significant potential exists for it to influence the course of power generation towards greater sustainability and cleanliness.