An investigation on the operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and micro-turbine for load-following performances

Fuel cells are prominently known and researched extensively by scientists and companies globally for its use as alternative form of energy without any further degradation of Mother Nature. In a few years, the quantity of coal and oil would be reaching an all-time low making it absolutely necessary to find for other viable solution for the survival of mankind. Here, fuel cells offer a sanctuary for clean and green energy making it the most sought after technology in today’s time. However, more research and improvements has to be done so that more companies could employ such technologies in their establishments. In this project, the author has established the SIMULINK modelling technique for a 100kW SOFC plant. Activation, ohmic and concentration losses has also been taken into account for the plant to give a more accurate picture of the system. Upon a sudden increase in the power demanded by the consumer, the SOFC plant reaches to it maximum possible fuel utilization permissible and within a few reaches to the steady state value. This shows the operation of the SOFC in real time subjected to load disturbances. In addition, a split-shaft microturbine has been implemented to provide addition power to a plant. Likewise, with a sudden disturbance, the electrical and mechanical power oscillates to a steady state value. Hence, it is able to withstand a sudden disturbance. With the two SIMULINK models established, the author has examined the load following performance of the two systems. SOFC being more efficient is able to take on more power as compared to microturbine. In the future, distribution system can be established with such tie line flow to ensure that power can be attained in a cleaner way. Future works includes combining the microturbine and the SOFC to increase efficiency of the operation for combined heat and power generation.Bachelor of Engineerin