Multi-criteria assessment and optimization of a natural gas-fed solid oxide fuel cell combined heat and power system

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) combined heat and power (CHP) system is a promising candidate for efficient power generation. Due to its complex dynamic characteristics, system performance is still unsatisfied when it operates in variable load conditions. In this study, five improved layouts of a natural gas-fed SOFC-CHP system are proposed using three-fluid heat exchangers innovatively. Performance of the system under different layouts is compared from both energy and exergy perspective and their feasibility in multi-load conditions is evaluated. Sensitivity analysis of four key parameters is conducted to clarify their influences and potential ways for efficiency improvements from both system and component level are explored under different load conditions. Results show that the system with direct combustion of anode off-gas has better adaptability to multi-load conditions. Exergy loss of the combustor always occupies the highest proposition among all the components, at least 30%. Because of the large thermal load and high outlet temperature of the cold fluid, thermal management of the reformer is crucial for the system operation. Changes of the reforming temperature and fuel utilization ratio significantly affect the system performance. As the load increasing, the electric efficiency decreases and the thermal efficiency increases, the total efficiency can always be more than 85% for the SOFC-CHP system. •System performance is compared from both energy and exergy perspective.•Multi-load conditions are conducted to evaluate the system feasibility.•The total efficiency can always be more than 85% for the SOFC-CHP system.