Energy and exergy analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell plant fueled by ethanol and methane

Abstract

The method of exergy analysis is presented for a SOFC power plant involving external steam reforming and fueled by ethanol and methane. The optimal operation parameters of the integrated SOFC plant are specified after minimizing the existing energy and exergy losses. A comparison of methane and ethanol as appropriate fuels for a SOFC-based power plant is provided in terms of exergetic efficiency assuming the minimum allowable (for carbon-free operation) reforming factors for both cases. Then, a parametric analysis provides guidelines for practical design. It is concluded that the exergy calculations pinpoint the losses accurately and that the exergy analysis gives a better insight of the system's process.