Performance Evaluation of the Micro Cogeneration System Composed of Microturbine, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, and H₂O/LIBR Absorption Refrigerator

A micro cogeneration system composed of a microturbine (MGT), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and an absorption refrigerator is analyzed thermodynamically. The performance analysis is conducted on the basis of the macroscopic mass and energy balances with additional empirical correlations and operating data. First, the basic characteristics of the power generation (MGT+SOFC) section and the absorption refrigerator section are clarified. Second, under the conditions of the cell temperature of 900 °C and the turbine inlet temperature of 900 °C, the optimum design points are determined. Furthermore, the energy saving obtained by the present system through the annual operation is also evaluated in the light of the measured data in Japan. As a result, the annual fuel consumptions are reduced by 32%, 36% and 42%, for apartments, offices and hotels, respectively.