Thermodynamic Analysis of a SOFC System for CHP Applications: Influence of Operation Parameters on Global Efficiency

In this paper, a model for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system for decentralized combined heat and power (CHP) production has been developed and studied. The proposed system, fuelled by natural gas, consists of a SOFC stack of 1 kWe of nominal power and a balance of plant (BoP) which includes gases supply, fuel processing, heat management, start-up equipment, power conditioning and control system. A starting point scenario is calculated based on a simple system flowsheet (external steam generation and no recirculation of exhaust gases) and basic operation parameters. The analysis of the global efficiency of the system is carried out varying the plant concept. The proposed configuration lead to several heat management options which are assessed by energetic balances