Optimization-based comparative study of six SOFC-driven systems employing various reforming techniques: Efficiency, life cycle cost, and CO2 emissions assessment
Amirali Nouri , Siamak Dadgar , Ata Chitsaz , Navid Kousheshi , Araz Emami
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Despite the growing interest in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-based systems for clean and efficient power generation, limited studies have comprehensively compared different methane reforming techniques integrated with SOFCs from energy, economic, and CO2 emissions perspectives. This study addresses this gap by providing a comparative evaluation of six SOFC-based power plants, each employing a distinct reforming method: steam methane reforming (SMR), dry methane reforming (DMR), partial oxidation of methane (POX), air and water-assisted autothermal reforming (AWATR), air and CO2-assisted autothermal reforming (ACATR), and air, CO2, and water-assisted autothermal reforming (ACWATR). The performance evaluation focuses on energy efficiency, life cycle cost (LCC), and environmental impact (CO2 emissions). Under optimal conditions, the SMR-based system demonstrates superior performance, achieving the highest net power output (491.7 kW), domestic hot water (DHW) production (337.7 kW), electrical efficiency (48.4 %), and combined heat and power (CHP) efficiency (81.7 %), alongside the lowest CO2 emissions (408 kg/MWh). However, this system incurs the highest LCC ($2.8 MM) due to its greater SOFC cell requirements. In contrast, the ACATR-based system achieves the lowest LCC ($1.3 MM) but exhibits the poorest performance, including the lowest net power output (189.8 kW), electrical efficiency (22.7 %), and the highest CO2 emissions (1705.8 kg/MWh). Excluding the SMR configuration, the POX-based system emerges as a viable alternative, balancing high electrical efficiency with reduced environmental impact.
期刊介绍:
Applied Thermal Engineering disseminates novel research related to the design, development and demonstration of components, devices, equipment, technologies and systems involving thermal processes for the production, storage, utilization and conservation of energy, with a focus on engineering application.
The journal publishes high-quality and high-impact Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Short Communications and Letters to the Editor on cutting-edge innovations in research, and recent advances or issues of interest to the thermal engineering community.