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Multi-objective optimisation of a power generation system integrating solid oxide fuel cell and recuperated supercritical carbon dioxide cycle

Author

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  • Roy, Dibyendu
  • Samanta, Samiran
  • Roy, Sumit
  • Smallbone, Andrew
  • Roskilly, Anthony Paul

Abstract

This article presents an advanced power generation system that integrates a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module with a recuperated supercritical CO2 (s-CO2) cycle. The waste heat generated by the exhaust of the SOFC module is utilised to drive the s-CO2 cycle, resulting in enhanced energy efficiency. The performance of the system was investigated through thermodynamic and economic analyses and optimised using response surface methodology. The optimisation process focused on two objectives: maximising the energy efficiency of the integrated system and minimising the levelised cost of electricity. The study meticulously analysed the effects of important variables such as current density, fuel utilisation factor, and operating temperature of the fuel cell. The optimisation efforts yielded impressive results, achieving an energy efficiency of 64% and a levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.18£/kWh. The proposed system surpassed traditional natural gas-fuelled power plants in terms of efficiency and specific emissions. Furthermore, the system's performance was evaluated when operated with green hydrogen fuel, which led to a substantial improvement in efficiency, estimated at 73.37%. However, it was found that the LCOE of the system is relatively higher and approximately 15% higher than the methane-based alternative.

Suggested Citation

  • Roy, Dibyendu & Samanta, Samiran & Roy, Sumit & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2023. "Multi-objective optimisation of a power generation system integrating solid oxide fuel cell and recuperated supercritical carbon dioxide cycle," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:281:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223015529
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.128158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pourali, Mostafa & Esfahani, Javad Abolfazli, 2022. "Performance analysis of a micro-scale integrated hydrogen production system by analytical approach, machine learning, and response surface methodology," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    2. Rath, Sebastian & Mickoleit, Erik & Gampe, Uwe & Breitkopf, Cornelia & Jäger, Andreas, 2022. "Systematic analysis of additives on the performance parameters of sCO2 cycles and their individual effects on the cycle characteristics," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
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    4. Roy, Dibyendu & Samanta, Samiran & Roy, Sumit & Smallbone, Andrew & Paul Roskilly, Anthony, 2023. "Fuel cell integrated carbon negative power generation from biomass," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    5. Koo, Taehyung & Kim, Young Sang & Lee, Young Duk & Yu, Sangseok & Lee, Dong Keun & Ahn, Kook Young, 2021. "Exergetic evaluation of operation results of 5-kW-class SOFC-HCCI engine hybrid power generation system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    6. Khurana, Hitesh & Majumdar, Rudrodip & Saha, Sandip K., 2022. "Response Surface Methodology-based prediction model for working fluid temperature during stand-alone operation of vertical cylindrical thermal energy storage tank," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 619-636.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lu, Xinyu & Gang, Wenjie & Tu, Zhengkai, 2025. "Recent developments in control and integration of solid oxide fuel cells: From stack to system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    2. Roy, Dibyendu & Samanta, Samiran & Roy, Sumit & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2024. "Technoeconomic and environmental performance assessment of solid oxide fuel cell-based cogeneration system configurations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    3. Seyedeh Azadeh Alavi-Borazjani & Shahzada Adeel & Valentina Chkoniya, 2025. "Hydrogen as a Sustainable Fuel: Transforming Maritime Logistics," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-36, March.
    4. Sadiq, Mahran & khan, Muhammad Sajid & Abid, Muhammad & Alkahtani, Mohammed & Xiaoming, Bai, 2025. "Exergo-economic analysis of a solar-driven multigeneration system for power, ammonia production, and cooling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    5. Yang, Zimu & Jiang, Hongsheng & Zhuge, Weilin & Qian, Yuping & Zhang, Yangjun, 2024. "Design of a partial discharge shrouded impeller for the centrifugal compressor of supercritical carbon dioxide power cycles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 307(C).
    6. Du, Yang & Fu, Yu & Gao, Xu & Chen, Shuo & Lou, Juwei & Wang, Jiangfeng & Zhao, Pan, 2024. "Performance improvements for green hydrogen-ammonia fueled SOFC hybrid system through dead-end anode recirculation and split transcritical CO2 power cycle," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PC).
    7. Nikiforakis, Ioannis & Mamalis, Sotirios & Assanis, Dimitris, 2025. "Understanding Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybridization: A Critical Review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PC).

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