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Energy analysis of a combined solid oxide fuel cell with a steam turbine power plant for marine applications

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Abstract

Strong restrictions on emissions from marine power plants (particularly SO x , NO x ) will probably be adopted in the near future. In this paper, a combined solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and steam turbine fuelled by natural gas is proposed as an attractive option to limit the environmental impact of the marine sector. The analyzed variant of the combined cycle includes a SOFC operated with natural gas fuel and a steam turbine with a single-pressure waste heat boiler. The calculations were performed for two types of tubular and planar SOFCs, each with an output power of 18 MW. This paper includes a detailed energy analysis of the combined system. Mass and energy balances are performed not only for the whole plant but also for each component in order to evaluate the thermal efficiency of the combined cycle. In addition, the effects of using natural gas as a fuel on the fuel cell voltage and performance are investigated. It has been found that a high overall efficiency approaching 60% may be achieved with an optimum configuration using the SOFC system. The hybrid system would also reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and improve the total system efficiency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

    Yousri M. A. Welaya, M. Mosleh & Nader R. Ammar

Authors
  1. Yousri M. A. Welaya
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  2. M. Mosleh
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  3. Nader R. Ammar
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Correspondence to Yousri M. A. Welaya.

Additional information

Yousri M. A. Welaya is an emeritus professor at the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Alexandria University. Current research work includes the dynamic behavior of damaged semi-submersibles, environmental loading on offshore structures and energy management options in marine power plants.

M. Mosleh is a professor at the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Alexandria University. Current research work includes automatic control applications in the marine field, advanced marine diesel engines, marine power plants and marine engineering.

Nader R. Ammar is a PhD candidate with the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. He is a teaching assistant at The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. His current research interests include fuel cell applications in the marine field, renewable energy and modern marine power plants.

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Welaya, Y.M.A., Mosleh, M. & Ammar, N.R. Energy analysis of a combined solid oxide fuel cell with a steam turbine power plant for marine applications. J. Marine. Sci. Appl. 12, 473–483 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-013-1219-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-013-1219-5

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