Thermodynamic Analysis of Hybrid-SOFC Gas Turbine Powered by Syngas from Municipal Solid Waste

Abstract

In this paper, the use of renewable energy sources with conventional energy systems is described in the context of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) gas turbine system which is powered by syngas produced from the gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW). MSW deposits are increasing every day and their disposal measures are not completely effective in recycling them for various purposes in different forms. Here a gas turbine system is combined with a solid oxide fuel cell powered by syngas. The unreacted fuel and gases undergo further burning in the combustion chamber of gas turbine. The gas turbine exhaust is recycled to preheat air before entry in to the fuel cell for accelerating reforming reaction. This combined system is found to be effective than conventional system from the point of reduced emissions and improved performance and efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis is carried out for evaluating the performance and studying the influence of various parameters on the performance.