Thermodynamic and parametric analyses of a zero-carbon emission SOFC-based CCHP system using LNG cold energy

A novel zero-carbon emission combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system is currently proposed. The thermal energy of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) exhaust is recovered in a transcritical CO2 (T- CO2) power cycle. Relying on the efficient utilization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy, CO2 capture has been achieved at low energy consumption. The thermodynamic performance is evaluated by using energy and exergy analysis methods for this hybrid process. The electrical, exergy, and CCHP efficiencies are obtained as 60.37 %, 62.83 %, and 79.09 %, respectively. The CO2 condenser, with the largest exergy destruction ratio (18.60 %) and a low exergy efficiency (37.16 %), is regarded as the weakest point in terms of thermodynamic perfectibility. In addition, the influences of the current density, stack temperature and pressure, and fuel utilization rate have also been studied from different aspects of system performance. The current density, stack temperature, stack pressure, and fuel utilization rate are recommended as 0.3 A/cm2∼0.4 A/cm2, 900 °C, 5 bar, and 85 %, respectively. This research provides practical reference and pragmatic guidance for the integration, analysis, and optimization of SOFC-based CCHP systems. •A novel SOFC-based CCHP system is proposed, utilizing the cold energy of LNG.•The zero-carbon emission in this novel system is realized with low energy consumption.•Energy, exergy, and parametric analyses are conducted for the system evaluation.•The electrical, exergy, and CCHP efficiencies are 60.37 %, 62.83 %, and 79.09 %.•The effects of key parameters are studied from different aspects of system performance.