Modular SOFC Power Generation System with Gas Turbine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Power generation systems using solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) face efficiency decreases when adjusting fuel or air flow rates in response to changing power generation demands, leading to suboptimal power output.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system comprising multiple unit fuel cell modules, a gas turbine, and a control device that adjusts the number of operational fuel cell modules based on required power output, optimizing air and fuel supply lines to maintain high efficiency and stabilize compressed air pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow rate of supplied fuel or air is adjusted to match changing power generation demand, then the power generation amount can be adapted to various conditions, but the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is divided into multiple independent unit fuel cell modules that can be individually controlled. By selectively operating a specific number of modules based on power demand, the system maintains optimal flow rates in each active module, thereby preserving high power generation efficiency while adapting total output to match various load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating unit fuel cell modules based on real-time power generation demand. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain optimal operating conditions (flow rates) in each active module while flexibly scaling total power output, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single large fuel cell operates at variable load, then the system structure is simple, but efficiency is lost when operating away from design point
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large fuel cell, the system employs multiple smaller unit fuel cell modules. Each module is designed to operate at its optimal design point, and by activating the appropriate number of modules, the system achieves variable total output while maintaining high efficiency in each active unit. This segmentation approach balances structural complexity with operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If compressed air pressure is adjusted to control power output, then power generation amount can be varied, but air supply stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls power output by adjusting the number of active unit fuel cell modules rather than varying compressed air pressure in a single module. This approach keeps the air supply pressure stable for each active module while achieving variable total power generation through modular activation, thus maintaining both productivity flexibility and pressure stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient power generation by adjusting the number of operational fuel cell modules, maintaining high efficiency and stabilizing compressed air pressure, thereby optimizing power output and extending the lifespan of the system.
Implementation Method 1
A solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter, referred to as SOFC) is known as a highly efficient fuel cell having a wide range of applications
Implementation Method 2
a gas turbine having a compressor and a combustor, a first compressed air supply line supplying compressed air from the compressor to the combustor
Implementation Method 3
a combustor generating combustion gas from exhaust fuel gas exhausted from the SOFC and the compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are: a power generation system that can generate electric power efficiently with a fuel cell; and a method for operating said power generation system. This power generation system comprises: a fuel cell including a plurality of unit fuel cell modules; a gas turbine; various lines for circulating fuel gas, air, discharged fuel gas, and discharged air between the fuel cell and the gas turbine; and a control device. The control device determines the number of said unit fuel cell modules to be operated on the basis of the required power generation amount, and operates the determined number of said unit fuel cell modules.