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Operational Conditions for an Internal Combustion Engine in a SOFC-ICE Hybrid Power Generation System

Author

Listed:
  • Victor A. Reyes-Flores

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Zachary Swartwout

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Shane Garland

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Daniel B. Olsen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Bret Windom

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Robert Braun

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1610 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • Todd Bandhauer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

Abstract

Hybrid power generation systems utilizing pressurized Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have gained considerable attention recently as an effective solution to the increasing demand for cleaner electricity sources. Among the various hybridization options, gas turbines (GT) and internal combustion engines (ICE) running on SOFC tail gas have been prominent. Although spark ignition (SI) tail gas engines have received less focus, they show significant potential for stationary power generation, particularly due to their ability to control combustion. This research experimentally characterized an SI engine fueled by simulated SOFC anode gas for five blends, which correspond to overall system power level and loads. The study aimed to optimize the engine operating conditions for each fuel blend and establish operational conditions that would sustain maximum performance. The results showed efficiencies as high as 31.4% at 1600 RPM, with a 17:1 compression ratio, equivalence ratio (φ) of 0.75, and a boost pressure of 165 kPa with low NOx emissions. The study also emphasizes the benefits of optimizing boost supply to minimize parasitic loads and improve brake thermal efficiency. Additionally, installing a catalytic oxidizer would enable the system to comply with new engine emission regulations. A proposed control scheme for automation includes regulating engine power by controlling the boost of the supercharger at a fixed throttle position. The results of this study help to promote the development of this SOFC-based clean energy technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor A. Reyes-Flores & Zachary Swartwout & Shane Garland & Daniel B. Olsen & Bret Windom & Robert Braun & Todd Bandhauer, 2025. "Operational Conditions for an Internal Combustion Engine in a SOFC-ICE Hybrid Power Generation System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1838-:d:1628562
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. D.F. Chuahy, Flavio & Kokjohn, Sage L., 2019. "Solid oxide fuel cell and advanced combustion engine combined cycle: A pathway to 70% electrical efficiency," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 391-408.
    2. Choi, Wonjae & Kim, Jaehyun & Kim, Yongtae & Kim, Seonyeob & Oh, Sechul & Song, Han Ho, 2018. "Experimental study of homogeneous charge compression ignition engine operation fuelled by emulated solid oxide fuel cell anode off-gas," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 42-62.
    3. Kim, Jaehyun & Kim, Yongtae & Choi, Wonjae & Ahn, Kook Young & Song, Han Ho, 2020. "Analysis on the operating performance of 5-kW class solid oxide fuel cell-internal combustion engine hybrid system using spark-assisted ignition," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    4. Yang, Ruomiao & Shang, Tansu & Li, Lingmin & Liu, Junheng & Xie, Tianfang & Liu, Zhentao & Liu, Jinlong, 2024. "The mechanism of the increased ratio of nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen oxides in methanol/diesel dual fuel engines," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    5. Chehrmonavari, Hamed & Kakaee, Amirhasan & Hosseini, Seyed Ehsan & Desideri, Umberto & Tsatsaronis, George & Floerchinger, Gus & Braun, Robert & Paykani, Amin, 2023. "Hybridizing solid oxide fuel cells with internal combustion engines for power and propulsion systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
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