Exploring the potential of wet biomass gasification with SOFC and ICE cogeneration technologies: process design, simulation and comparative thermodynamic analysis

This research undertakes the engineering, detailed simulation, and thermodynamic analysis of an integrated cogeneration system based on wet biomass gasification, coupled with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power units. The selection of wet biomass feedstock introduces originality from an energy perspective, presenting significant challenges in process integration while offering new avenues for the sustainable utilization of such residues. The layouts are designed to ensure energy self-sustainability.

The modeling development culminates in a comprehensive algorithm that captures the system's complexities, with each power unit mapped and analyzed. Matlab is employed for simulating and analyzing the SOFC, which is fundamental for selecting the working point and scaling up the plant, while ICE is modeled using a data-driven approach. The integrated systems are simulated using AVEVA PRO/II Simulation software. A comparative thermodynamic analysis is performed between the two system layouts to assess strengths and weaknesses.

Salient numerical results indicate a net electric yield of 1.41 MWh·t_db⁻¹ and 0.91 MWh·t_db⁻¹ for SOFC and ICE layouts respectively. The exergy efficiencies are 28.9 % and 18.7 % for the SOFC and ICE systems, respectively, while the sustainability indexes are 1.37 and 1.23.

The detailed exergy analysis detects the primary sources of irreversibilities and identifies opportunities for energetic improvements in both layouts.

This work serves as a methodological guide for designing integrated wet biomass gasifier-SOFC/ICE systems, offering insight into the Balance of Plant energy behavior, developing case studies, and addressing gaps in the literature on comparing these processes under identical conditions.