Energy analysis of a combined solid oxide fuel cell with a steam turbine power plant for marine applications

Abstract

Strong restrictions on emissions from marine power plants (particularly SO _x, NO _x) will probably be adopted in the near future. In this paper, a combined solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and steam turbine fuelled by natural gas is proposed as an attractive option to limit the environmental impact of the marine sector. The analyzed variant of the combined cycle includes a SOFC operated with natural gas fuel and a steam turbine with a single-pressure waste heat boiler. The calculations were performed for two types of tubular and planar SOFCs, each with an output power of 18 MW. This paper includes a detailed energy analysis of the combined system. Mass and energy balances are performed not only for the whole plant but also for each component in order to evaluate the thermal efficiency of the combined cycle. In addition, the effects of using natural gas as a fuel on the fuel cell voltage and performance are investigated. It has been found that a high overall efficiency approaching 60% may be achieved with an optimum configuration using the SOFC system. The hybrid system would also reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and improve the total system efficiency.

Keywords

marine steam turbine / natural gas fuel / solid oxide fuel cell / hybrid system / energy analysis

References

[1] Arsalis A. Thermo economic modeling and parametric study of hybrid SOFC gas turbine steam turbine power plants ranging from 1.5 to 10MWe. Journal of Power Sources, 2008, 181: 313-326

[2] Barclay JF. Fuel cells, engines and hydrogen an exergy approach, 2006

[3] Barrett S. GL sees large market for fuel cells to replace marine auxiliary power. Fuel Cells Bulletin, 2010

[4] Calise F, d’Accadia MD, Palombo A, Vanoli L. Simulation and exergy analysis of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and gas turbine system. Energy, 2006, 31(15): 3278-99

[5] Calise F, d’Accadia MD, Vanoli L, Von Spakovsky MR. Single level optimization of a hybrid SOFC-GT power plant. Journal of Power Sources, 2006, 159(2): 1169-1185

[6] China Classification Society Rules for construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk, 2006

[7] Corbett JJ, Winebrake JJ, Green EH, Kasibhatla P, Eyring V, Lauer A. Mortality from ship emissions: a global assessment. Environmental Science and Technology, 2007, 41(24): 8512-8518

[8] Dunbar WR, Lior N, Gaggioli RA. Combining fuel cells with fuel-fired power plants for improved exergy efficiency. Journal of Energy, 1991, 16(10): 1259-74

[9] EG&G Technical Services, Inc. Fuel Cell Handbook, 2004

[10] Farr J. LNG as a Fuel for Marine Applications.Lloyd’s Register, 2011

[11] Figari M, D’Amico M, Gaggero P. Evaluation of ship efficiency indexes. 14th Conference of the International Maritime Association of the Mediterranean (IMAM), Genoa, 2011, 621-627

[12] Fontell E, Kivisaari T, Christiansen N, Hansen J, Pålsson JB. Conceptional study of a 250 kW planar SOFC system for CHP application. Journal of Power Sources, 2004, 131: 49-56

[13] George RA, et al. Single Module Pressurized Fuel Cell Turbine Generator System, 2001

[14] Ghirardo F, et al. Heat recovery options for onboard fuel cell systems. Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2011, 36: 8134-8142

[15] Greensmith G. The Legislative Landscape, Lloyd’s Register, 2010

[16] Heywood JBL. Internal Combustion Engines, 1988, 70-80

[17] Holland BJ, Zhu JG. Design of A 500 W PEM fuel cell test system, 2007, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW: Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology

[18] IMO-IGC Code International gas code for construction and equipment of ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk, 2002

[19] Kumm WH. Marine and naval applications of fuel cells for propulsion: the process selection. Journal of Power Sources, 1990, 29: 20-25

[20] Larminie J, Dicks A. Fuel cell systems explained, 2003, 2nd Edition, England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 0-470-84857-X, 60-91

[21] LisbonaPU S J. High-temperature fuel cells for fresh water production. Journal of Desalination, 2005, 182: 471-482

[22] MAN B&W Exhaust Gas Emission Control Today and Tomorrow, Application on MAN B&W Two-stroke Marine Diesel Engines, 2010

[23] Maroju P. Modeling of a fuel cell, 2002, 36-40

[24] Olszewski W. Possible use of combined Diesel engine and steam turbine systems in ship power plants. Scientific Journals, 2011, 28: 88-94

[25] Pålsson J, Selimovic A, Sjunnesson L. Combined solid oxide fuel cell and gas turbine system for efficient power and heat generation. Journal of Power Sources, 2000, 86: 442-448

[26] Proell T, Rauch R, Aichering C, Hofbauer H. Coupling of biomass steam gasification and an SOFC-GT hybrid system for highly efficient electricity generation. ASME Turbo Expo Proceeding, 2004, 103-109

[27] Raja AK, Srivastava AP, Dwivedi M. Power plant engineering, 2006, 20-35

[28] Rattenbury N, Fort E. Development of requirements for fuel cells in the marine environment performance and prescription. Lloyd’s Register Technical Papers, 2006

[29] Rokni M. Thermodynamic analysis of an integrated solid oxide fuel cell cycle with a rankine cycle. Energy Conversion and Management, 2010, 51: 2724-2732

[30] Rokni M. Plant characteristics of an integrated solid oxide fuel cell cycle and a steam cycle. Energy, 2010, 35: 4691-4699

[31] Santin M, Traverso A, Magistri L, Massardo A. Thermo economic analysis of SOFC-GT hybrid systems fed by liquid fuels. Journal of Energy, 2010, 35: 1077-1083

[32] Sjöstedt CJ, Chen DJ. Virtual component testing for pem fuel cell systems: an efficient, high-quality and safe approach for suppliers and OEM’s. 3 ^rd European PEFC Forum, 2009

[33] Subhash CS, Kevin K. High temperature solid oxide fuel cells: fundamentals, design and applications, 2004, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington Oxford OX5 lGB, UK: Elsevier Advanced Technology

[34] Subramanyan K, Diwekar UM. Characterization and quantification of uncertainty in solid oxide fuel cell hybrid power plants. Journal of Power Sources, 2005, 142: 103-106

[35] Wächter C, Lunderstädt R, Joos F. Dynamic model of a pressurized SOFC-GT hybrid power plant for the development of control concept. Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology, 2006, 3(3): 271-9

[36] Welaya YMA, El Gohary MM, Ammar NR. A comparison between fuel cells and other alternatives for marine electric power generation. International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering (JNAOE), 2011, 3: 141-149

[37] Woodyard D. Pounder’s marine diesel engines and gas turbines, 2004, 8th edition 25-35