Differences and Synergies between Mobile and Stationary SOFC-GT Designs

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Abstract
Simple combined SOFC-GT cycles show an efficiency between 60 and 72 %. Combinations of SOFC-GT cycles and a steam injection achieve an efficiency of more than 75 %. The use of a reheat gas turbine process in a (RH) SOFC-GT cycle can be improved by a steam turbine (ST) cycle. A study of such a RH-SOFC-GT-ST cycle indicates that a cycle design with an efficiency of more than 80 % is possible and confirm the predictions by an earlier theoretical thermodynamic model. The design principles of such SOFC-GT cycles were already shown in a design study in 1994 on the example of a 50 MW plant. The extreme short heat-up time of a thin tubular SOFC and the market entrance of the microturbines give the option of using these SOFC-GT designs for mobile applications. The possible use of hydrocarbons as Diesel oil is an important benefit of the SOFC. The microturbine and the SOFC stack will be matched depending on the start-up requirements of the mobile system. The minimisation of the needed volume is a key issue. But the volume reduction of the components decrease the system’s efficiency. A design study shows that the space available in a mid class car allows the placement of such a system including space reserves. A further improvement of the system might allow an electric efficiency of about 55 %. The production technology of thin tubes is a key issue.

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