Process integration of solid oxide fuel cells with process utility systems

Abstract

In the process industry, a utility system is one of the main energy consumption and pollution emission sources. Significant progresses have been made in the chemical industry to improve the efficiency and reduce the emissions of utility systems. However, few efforts have been made in investigating the possibility and strategy of incorporating new energy conversion devices such as fuel cells into industrial energy systems. The article presented focuses on systematic integration of fuel cells and industrial energy systems. A steady-state model of an indirect internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell (IIR-SOFC) system has been developed to estimate its thermodynamic and electrochemical properties and to optimise system performance. The model is then applied to the integration study of SOFCs into utility systems. Different process integration options are investigated and evaluated. Case studies show significant benefits of energy efficiency improvement and emission reductions by incorporating fuel cells into industrial utility systems.