Scalable modular design of solid oxide fuel cell systems for enhanced large-scale power generation

Area of Science:

• Energy Systems Engineering
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Growing demand for renewable energy necessitates efficient and scalable power generation.
• Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising for clean energy but require cost-effective scaling solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modular hybrid design framework for flexible SOFC scale-up.
• To enhance electrical and thermal efficiency through strategic off-gas recirculation.
• To evaluate the techno-economic viability of the proposed design.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular hybrid design framework with standardized component modules.
• Implementation of a series-parallel configuration with anode and cathode off-gas recirculation.
• Conducting a detailed case study and techno-economic analysis across four scale-up strategies.

Main Results:

• The hybrid SOFC design achieved 66.3% electrical efficiency.
• External water use was reduced by 59.9%, and fresh air demand by 22%.
• The lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was found to be $0.155/kWh with the hybrid design.

Conclusions:

• Modular and standardized SOFC systems offer scalable, efficient, and economically viable solutions.
• The hybrid design effectively balances centralization/decentralization and technology readiness levels.
• Findings highlight potential for future low-carbon energy infrastructures.