A Model for Simulating the Thermal and Electrical Production of Small-Scale Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Cogeneration Systems within Building Simulation Programs

François Maréchal
2006
Journal paper

Abstract

A new model for predicting the thermal and electrical performance of solid-oxide fuel cell(SOFC) cogeneration devices for residential buildings has been developed and demonstrated. This is a system-level model that considers the thermodynamic performance of all components that consume energy and produce the thermal and electrical output of the SOFC-cogeneration device. The model relies heavily upon empirical information that can be acquired from the testing of coherent systems or components and is designed for operation at a time resolution that is in the order of minutes. Hence, it is appropriate for use in whole-building simulation programs, where it can be applied to assess the energy and greenhouse gas emission benefits of this nascent technology.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/88304?ln=en

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Ontological neighbourhood

Energy engineering

Fuel power: Hydrogen fuel

Related concepts (32)

Fuel cell

A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (often hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells are different from most batteries in requiring a continuous source of fuel and oxygen (usually from air) to sustain the chemical reaction, whereas in a battery the chemical energy usually comes from substances that are already present in the battery. Fuel cells can produce electricity continuously for as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied.

Solid oxide fuel cell

A solid oxide fuel cell (or SOFC) is an electrochemical conversion device that produces electricity directly from oxidizing a fuel. Fuel cells are characterized by their electrolyte material; the SOFC has a solid oxide or ceramic electrolyte. Advantages of this class of fuel cells include high combined heat and power efficiency, long-term stability, fuel flexibility, low emissions, and relatively low cost. The largest disadvantage is the high operating temperature which results in longer start-up times and mechanical and chemical compatibility issues.

Micro combined heat and power

Micro combined heat and power, micro-CHP, μCHP or mCHP is an extension of the idea of cogeneration to the single/multi family home or small office building in the range of up to 50 kW. Usual technologies for the production of heat and power in one common process are e.g. internal combustion engines, micro gas turbines, stirling engines or fuel cells. Local generation has the potential for a higher efficiency than traditional grid-level generators since it lacks the 8-10% energy losses from transporting electricity over long distances.

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