Technical analysis of a combined heating and power system based on solid oxide fuel cell for building application

Abstract

A combined heating and power system (CHP) based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is established to meet the electrical and heating demand of a 1645 m² building. Given the high cost of SOFC, this study employs a strategy to minimize cell count while meeting the building’s maximum demand. Hydrogen and natural gas are employed as fuels for system utilization. To satisfy the average electricity power, the system efficiency fueled by hydrogen and natural gas is 90.3% and 90.1%, while the electrical efficiency is 63.0% and 48.1%, respectively. When conditions change to meet the peak electricity power, the system efficiency drops to 67.2% and 71.2%, and electrical efficiency drops to 30.7% and 23.8%, respectively. Power supply and heat supply need to be comprehensively considered and flexibly regulated, and efficient operation modes should be adopted as far as possible under the premise of ensuring building energy consumption.