International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Comprehensive Review of Exergy, Energy, Economic, and Environmental Aspects of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Based Hybrid Gas Turbine and Supercritical CO₂ Cycles Divya Tiwaria*, Abhay Agrawala, Pushpraj Singha, Prashant Singh Chauhana a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rewa Engineering College, University Road, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh,
486002, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------***-------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract The growing need for efficient and sustainable energy solutions has driven extensive research into hybrid power generation technologies. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) integrated with gas turbines (GTs) and supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) cycles offer a promising approach to improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and optimizing power generation. This review examines the exergy, energy, economic, and environmental aspects of SOFC-based hybrid GT-sCO₂ systems. The SOFC-GT configuration efficiently utilizes high-temperature exhaust gases, achieving electrical efficiencies exceeding 70%. The addition of an sCO₂ cycle enhances thermal energy recovery, increases system efficiency, and reduces the overall footprint due to its compact design and superior heat transfer properties. Recent advancements in hybrid system design, thermodynamic performance, and waste heat recovery are critically analysed. Studies indicate that SOFCGT-sCO₂ systems can achieve energy efficiencies above 65%, yet challenges such as high capital costs, system complexity, and material degradation hinder widespread commercialization. Economic assessments highlight long-term cost benefits, fuel flexibility, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental evaluations confirm substantial CO₂ emission reductions compared to conventional fossil-fuel-based power plants. This review identifies key opportunities for optimizing system integration, enhancing durability, and improving techno-economic feasibility. Future research should focus on advanced materials, innovative waste heat recovery, and policy incentives to support commercialization. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of SOFC-GT-sCO₂ systems for next-generation sustainable power generation.
Keywords: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Gas Turbine, Supercritical CO₂ Cycle, Hybrid Power Systems, Exergy Analysis, Energy Efficiency, Waste Heat Recovery, Sustainability, Carbon Emissions, Economic Feasibility.
1. Introduction The increasing global demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy has driven significant research into advanced power generation technologies [1]. The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate climate change has further accelerated the development of alternative energy systems that maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Hybrid power generation systems, particularly those integrating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), gas turbines (GTs), and supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) cycles, have emerged as promising solutions for achieving these objectives [2-6]. These hybrid systems offer high energy conversion efficiency, effective waste heat recovery, and reduced carbon emissions, making them attractive candidates for next-generation sustainable power plants [7-9]. Among the various fuel cell technologies, SOFCs have gained prominence due to their high operating temperature, fuel flexibility, and ability to directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy with minimal losses [10-11]. Unlike conventional combustion-based power plants, SOFCs generate electricity through electrochemical reactions, leading to lower emissions and higher efficiencies. However, standalone SOFC systems face challenges such as slow start-up times, material degradation, and limitations in waste heat utilization. To address these issues, hybrid configurations combining SOFCs with gas turbines and supercritical CO₂ cycles have been developed [12-15]. These integrated systems leverage the high-temperature exhaust gases from SOFCs to enhance power generation through GTs, while incorporating sCO₂ cycles further improves thermal efficiency and reduces system footprint. The SOFC-GT hybrid system effectively utilizes waste heat from SOFCs to drive a gas turbine, achieving electrical efficiencies exceeding 70% [5, 16]. This significantly surpasses the efficiencies of standalone SOFCs or conventional GTs. Additionally, the integration of an sCO₂ cycle enhances energy recovery by utilizing the remaining thermal energy in the system [17]. The unique thermophysical properties of supercritical CO₂, including its high density and low viscosity, enable superior heat transfer and compact system designs, resulting in higher energy output and improved economic viability. This combination of technologies creates a highly efficient power generation system that aligns with global sustainability goals [18].
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 114