Tubular SOFC Hybrid Power System Status

Abstract

Power generation systems of exemplary efficiency can be configured through the synergistic thermal-hydraulic coupling of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) generator module with a gas turbine engine electric generator. Analysis indicates that hybrid cycle power systems have the potential to achieve electrical generation efficiencies ranging from over 50% for 300 kWe atmospheric pressure hybrid systems to near 70% for pressurized fuel cell reheat gas turbine hybrid systems. Analysis results are reviewed. Siemens Westinghouse has fabricated two simple-cycle proof-of-concept designs for pressurized SOFC/micro gas turbine generator (PSOFC/MTG) hybrid systems. The efficiency horizon for simple-cycle PSOFC/MTG systems is 60%. The world’s first SOFC Pressurized Hybrid of 200 kWe capacity [PH200] was built for Southern California Edison (SCE) and is installed at the National Fuel Cell Research Center at the University of California – Irvine. The unit has operated for over 2000 hours with an indicated efficiency of 53%. Although operation has been troubled by SOFC stack nonconformance problems, this unit has demonstrated the technical feasibility of the PSOFC/MTG hybrid technology. Following the most recent stack repair, the unit was restarted in November, 2002. System operation and performance information is reviewed. A second proof-of-concept unit, a PH300 built for a consortium led by RWE, a German utility, is nearing completion and is scheduled for initial operation in early 2003, and another PH300 will be installed at an Edison S.p.A site in Italy later in 2003. PH300 project status information is presented.