SOFC Power Generation Systems

The authors [141] proposed a multistep desulfurization process with two adsorption beds so that the species not adsorbed in the first bed could be trapped in the second one. The first bed is based on molecular sieves the second one contains activated carbons that are able to remove aU the S-compounds present in the biogas. Tests that have been performed on the SOFC power generation system at the Turbocare site in Turin [171]. A two component arrangement of 130 kg zeolite-X followed by 90 kg activated carbon provided an acceptable solution for large-scale SOFC unit. After 4 months of operation no sulfur breakthrough was observed. 

Finally, the IP-SOFC stack is an essential part of a hybrid plant, which combines this technology together with a gas turbine in order to provide a high efficiency power generation system. 

Table 3.8. Estimates of SOFC and MCFC distributed power generation system cost (Blesl el al., 2004)...

GE Hybrid Power Generation Systems (2004) Solid oxide fuel cell hybrid system for distributed power generation, SOFC scaleup for hybrid and fuel cell systems, DOE/NETL Cooperative Agreement DE-FC26-01NT40779, Final Topical Report. 

R.-U. Dietrich, A. Lindermeir, J. Oelze, C. Spieker, C. Spitta, M. Steffen SOFC power generation from biogas - improved system efficiency with combined dry and steam reforming, 219th ECS Meeting, Montreal (Canada), May 1-6,2011... 

JCN Newswires MHI achieves 3,000 hour operation, unprecedented in Japan Iot SOFC/MGT combined-cycle power generation systems, 2 Oct 2009... 

Wongchanapai S, Iwai H, Saito M, Yoshida H (2012) Performance evaluation of an integrated small-scale SOFC-biomass gasification power generation system. J Power Sources 216 314-322... 

We first consider these features common to all medium- and high-temperature fuel cells. Note that since these fuel cells use processed fuel and since use can be made of the exhaust heat, they have been mainly applied to stationary power generation systems. Although we shall see that the SOFC may find application in some mobile applications, the complexity of fuel processing usually rules out the application of high-temperature fuel cells for mobile use. 

Different types of fuel cells are considered for larger vehicle and locomotive power generation systems. This includes the high-temperature fuel cells such as SOFCs and MCFCs and low-temperature fuel cells such as AFCs and PEMFCs. 

Research and development toward commercialization of high-temperature fuel cells including MCFC and SOFC systems have also grown considerably since 1980, with a bevy of demonstration units in operation and commercial sales of MCFC systems. Figure 1.22 shows the estimated number of fuel cell systems built for all applications (excluding educational kits) per year. In 2004, the cumulative number of independent power-generating systems topped 11,000, with 10,000 of those units built in the preceding decade. 

Competing Power Generation Systems and SOFC Applications... 

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