Simulated Performance Studies of SOFC-GT Hybrid CHP Systems Fuelled by Biomass-Derived Producer Gas Available to Purchase

This paper presents a conceptual model of a 200-kWe Solid Oxide Fuel Cell – Gas Turbine (SOFC-GT) plant operating on biomass derived synthetic gas. The plant also has a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) integrated at the GT exhaust, producing low-pressure process steam. The SOFC has been considered to be of tubular cell construction and internally reforming type. The reaction kinetics of the reforming and shifting reactions have been integrated with the cell electrochemical model. Simulated thermodynamic performance of the modeled plant in terms of electrical power, efficiency and process heat is presented and analyzed. Influences of variations in operating pressure and gas composition, on the plant performance are also reported.