Construction and thermodynamic analysis of an IBC-based atmospheric-pressure SOFC-GT system

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2026.06.008

Abstract

Abstract:

Traditional pressurized solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine （SOFC-GT）hybrid power generation systems require high-pressure vessels and sophisticated high-temperature sealing structures， and the working conditions of atmospheric-pressure solid oxide fuel cells （SOFC） can hardly match those of conventional Brayton cycle， leading to low waste heat utilization rate and limited industrial application scenarios. To address the technical bottlenecks above， taking efficient recovery of high-temperature exhaust waste heat from SOFC under atmospheric pressure and simplification of system equipment configuration as the research objectives， an atmospheric-pressure SOFC-GT hybrid power generation system based on the inverted Brayton cycle （IBC） characterized by expansion prior to cooling and compression was constructed. The system consisted of three main parts： a fuel/air pretreatment process， an IBC waste heat recovery system， and a SOFC module. Thermodynamic equations for components including turbines， compressors， heat exchangers and afterburners were derived the electrochemical model of SOFC， and an evaluation system centered on total output power， thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency was constructed. The system simulation was completed using EBSILON software. According to the rated operating condition determined by temperature gradient， carbon deposition prevention steam-to-carbon ratio and compressor surge margin， the key parameter sensitivity analysis as well as system exergy balance calculation were carried out simultaneously. Thermodynamic analysis results based on EBSILON software showed that under the given operating conditions， the SOFC AC power generation efficiency reached 58.78%， the net output power of the IBC waste heat utilization system was 33.53 kW， the system's exergy efficiency reached 60.84%， and the total output efficiency reached 72.86%.The hybrid power generation system is demonstrated to have a lower equipment cost and operational difficulty without pressure vessels and complex sealing structures， and its power generation performance is significantly superior to that of the traditional atmospheric-pressure coupling configuration. Although various irreversible processes cause considerable exergy loss and there is still room for optimization in the system's exergy utilization， the total efficiency of 72.86% fully verifies the superior performance of the IBC-based SOFC-GT hybrid power generation system.

Key words: solid oxide fuel cells, inverted Brayton cycle, SOFC-GT hybrid power generation system, thermodynamic analysis

CLC Number:

TK262：TM619

FAN Xiaochao, ZHOU Kai, SHI Ruijing, ZHANG Zhihao. Construction and thermodynamic analysis of an IBC-based atmospheric-pressure SOFC-GT system[J]. Integrated Intelligent Energy, 2026, 48(6): 92-104.

Figures/Tables 13

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Table 1

Fig. 6

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Fig. 7

References 24

[1]	FANX C, SUN J Q, ZHANG W W, et al. Modeling and simulation analysis of capacity optimization configuration for low-carbon energy systems in oxygen-enriched coal-fired power plants using wind power for oxygen production[J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2026, 232: 1-31.
[2]	窦真兰, 李佳文, 张春雁, 等. 固体氧化物电解池时空分布式参数建模[J]. 综合智慧能源, 2024, 46(7): 53-62. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2024.07.007
	DOU Zhenlan, LI Jiawen, ZHANG Chunyan, et al. Spatiotemporal distributed parameter modeling of solid oxide electrolysis cells[J]. Integrated Intelligent Energy, 2024, 46(7): 53-62. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2024.07.007
[3]	杨磊, 王睿, 马丽丽, 等. 钙和铁共掺杂PrBaCo₂O₅₊_δ作为固体氧化物燃料电池阴极的研究[J]. 综合智慧能源, 2024, 46(7): 47-52. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2024.07.006
	YANG Lei, WANG Rui, MA Lili, et al. Research on Ca and Fe co-doped PrBaCo₂O₅₊_δ as a cathode material of solid oxide fuel cells[J]. Integrated Intelligent Energy, 2024, 46(7): 47-52. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-0706.2024.07.006
[4]	王卓, 田松峰, 翟启超, 等. 基于SOFC的近零碳排放联合循环动力系统热力性能研究[J]. 动力工程学报, 2024, 44(12): 1960-1971. doi: 10.19805/j.cnki.jcspe.2024.230650
	WANG Zhuo, TIAN Songfeng, ZHAI Qichao, et al. Research on thermal performance of near zero carbon emission combined cycle power system based on SOFC[J]. Journal of Chinese Society of Power Engineering, 2024, 44(12): 1960-1971. doi: 10.19805/j.cnki.jcspe.2024.230650
[5]	FAHEEM H H, ABBAS S Z, TABISH A N, et al. A review on mathematical modelling of direct internal reforming-solid oxide fuel cells[J]. Journal of Power Sources, 2022, 520: 230857. doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2021.230857
[6]	钟财富. 国内外分布式燃料电池发电应用现状及前景分析[J]. 中国能源, 2021, 43(2): 34-37, 73.
	ZHONG Caifu. Application status and prospect analysis of distributed fuel cell power generation at home and abroad[J]. Energy of China, 2021, 43(2): 34-37, 73.
[7]	施浩波. 基于燃气轮机/燃料电池联合发电的分布式发电系统建模仿真研究[D]. 北京: 中国电力科学研究院, 2011.
	SHI Haobo. Study on modeling and simulation for distributed generation system based on gas turbin/fuel cell combined generation[D]. Beijing: China Electric Power Research Institute, 2011.
[8]	YU J G, WANG Y Z, XU L, et al. Development and investigation on the study state of solid oxide fuel cell and hybrid power system[C]// 2009 International Conference on Sustainable Power Generation and Supply. IEEE, 2009: 1-5.
[9]	刘洋, 韩吉田, 游怀亮. 基于SOFC/GT和跨临界CO₂动力/制冷循环的冷热电联供系统性能[J]. 东南大学学报(自然科学版), 2019, 49(6): 1072-1080.
	LIU Yang, HAN Jitian, YOU Huailiang. Performance of CCHP system based on SOFC/GT and transcritical CO₂ power/refrigeration cycles[J]. Journal of Southeast University (Natural Science Edition), 2019, 49(6): 1072-1080.
[10]	郭尧, 庞宏, 王蕾, 等. 基于SOFC-GT-SCO₂RBC的联合循环系统热力性能[J]. 洁净煤技术, 2023, 29(S2): 328-336.
	GUO Yao, PANG Hong, WANG Lei, et al. Thermodynamics performance of combined cycle system based on SOFC-GT-SCO₂ RBC[J]. Clean Coal Technology, 2023, 29(S2): 328-336.
[11]	谢俊恩. 基于逆向布雷顿循环的SOFC-GT混合发电系统性能分析[D]. 哈尔滨: 哈尔滨工业大学, 2025.
	XIE Jun'en. Performance analysis of an SOFC-GT hybrid power generation system based on the reverse brayton cycle[D]. Harbin: Harbin Institute of Technology, 2025.
[12]	BUONOMANO A, CALISE F, D'ACCADIA M D, et al. Hybrid solid oxide fuel cells-gas turbine systems for combined heat and power: A review[J]. Applied Energy, 2015, 156: 32-85. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.06.027
[13]	TSUJIKAWA Y, KANEKO K, SUZUKI J. Proposal of the atmospheric pressure turbine (APT) and high temperature fuel cell hybrid system[J]. JSME International Journal Series B, 2004, 47(2): 256-260. doi: 10.1299/jsmeb.47.256
[14]	FACCHINETTI E, FAVRAT D, MARECHAL F. Innovative hybrid cycle solid oxide fuel cell-inverted gas turbine with CO₂ Separation[J]. Fuel Cells, 2011, 11(4): 565-572. doi: 10.1002/fuce.v11.4
[15]	FACCHINETTI E, GASSNER M, D'AMELIO M, et al. Process integration and optimization of a solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid cycle fueled with hydrothermally gasified waste biomass[J]. Energy, 2012, 41(1): 408-419. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2012.02.059
[16]	王巍, 薛利超, 黄钟岳, 等. APGC燃机与燃料电池复合发电系统性能分析[J]. 大连理工大学学报, 2009, 49(3): 349-352.
	WANG Wei, XUE Lichao, HUANG Zhongyue, et al. Performance analysis of APGC gas turbine and SOFC hybrid power system[J]. Journal of Dalian University of Technology, 2009, 49(3): 349-352.
[17]	CARDENAS DE LA CRUZ C T, HERZ G, REICHELT E, et al. Modeling of a novel atmospheric SOFC/GT hybrid process and comparison with state‐of‐the‐art SOFC system concepts[J]. Fuel Cells, 2020, 20(5): 608-623. doi: 10.1002/fuce.v20.5
[18]	马秦慧, 陈钢, 范光涛, 等. 多工况下固体氧化物燃料电池短堆变载特性研究[J]. 热力发电, 2025, 54(3): 12-21.
	MA Qinhui, CHEN Gang, FAN Guangtao, et al. Study on variable load characteristics of a solid oxide fuel cell stack under multiple operating conditions[J]. Thermal Power Generation, 2025, 54(3): 12-21.
[19]	孙浩哲, 张辉, 盛明珺, 等. 基于SOFC/GT和掺氢天然气的综合能源系统性能研究及经济性分析[J]. 动力工程学报, 2024, 44(9): 1493-1502. doi: 10.19805/j.cnki.jcspe.2024.240266
	SUN Haozhe, ZHANG Hui, SHENG Mingjun, et al. Performance study and economic analysis of integrated energy systems based on SOFC/GT and hydrogen-blended natural gas[J]. Journal of Chinese Society of Power Engineering, 2024, 44(9): 1493-1502. doi: 10.19805/j.cnki.jcspe.2024.240266
[20]	AZIZI MALI, BROUWER J. Progress in solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid power systems: System design and analysis, transient operation, controls and optimization[J]. Applied Energy, 2018, 215: 237-289. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.01.098
[21]	EISAVI B, CHITSAZ A, HOSSEINPOUR J, et al. Thermo-environmental and economic comparison of three different arrangements of solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine (SOFC-GT) hybrid systems[J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2018, 168: 343-356.
[22]	VAN HERLE J, MARÉCHAL F, LEUENBERGER S, et al. Process flow model of solid oxide fuel cell system supplied with sewage biogas[J]. Journal of Power Sources, 2004, 131(1/2): 127-141.
[23]	MILEWSKI J, MILLER A, SAŁACIŃSKI J. Off-design analysis of SOFC hybrid system[J]. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2007, 32(6): 687-698. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2006.08.007
[24]	ZHAO H B, LU R H, ZHANG T H. Thermodynamic and economic performance study of SOFC combined cycle system using biomass and LNG coupled with CO₂ recovery[J]. Energy Conversion and Management, 2023, 280:116817. doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2023.116817

部件	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}$/（kg·s^-1）	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},\mathrm{o}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{t}}$/（kg·s^-1）	P_in,cool/kW	P_out,hot/kW
燃料加热器	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},4}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},5}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},4}$(h₅-h₄)	P₁
空气加热器	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},11}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},12}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},4}$(h₁₂-h₁₁)	P₂
换热器1	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},14}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},15}$	P₃	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},14}$(h₁₄-h₁₅)
换热器2	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},16}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},17}$	P₄	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},16}$(h₁₆-h₁₇)
冷凝器	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},17}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},18}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},19}$(h₁₉-h₀)	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},16}$(h₁₈-h₁₇)
换热器3	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},23}$	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},24}$	P₅	${\mathit{q}}_{\mathit{m},23}$(h₂₃-h₂₄)

参数	数值	参数	数值
环境温度/℃	25	空气利用系数/%	35.4
环境压力/kPa	101	S/C	2.55
SOFC运行压力/kPa	102	DC-AC转换效率/%	92
阴、阳极入口温度/℃	700	${\mathit{\eta }}_{\mathrm{a}\mathrm{f}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r}}$/%	100
SOFC活化面积/m²	96.1	阳极排气再循环比例/%	61.07
n_cell	1 152	${\mathit{\eta }}_{\mathit{s},\mathrm{t}}$/%	85
燃料摩尔流量/(kmol∙h^-1)	1.07	${\mathit{\eta }}_{\mathit{s},\mathrm{c}}$/%	85
空气入口温度/℃	25	透平机械效率/%	99
燃料入口温度/℃	25	压气机机械效率/%	99
空气入口压力/bar	1.01	水泵效率/%	80
燃料入口压力/bar	1.01	水泵驱动效率/%	95
入口空气组分	21%O₂;79%N₂	冷凝器压损系数	0.003 7
入口燃料组分	100%CH₄	压气机出口压力/kPa	101
纯氧入口温度/℃	25	IBC发电效率/%	99
燃料利用率/%	85

流股	t/℃	p/kPa	q_m/(kg·h^-1)	E/kW	x
流股	t/℃	p/kPa	q_m/(kg·h^-1)	E/kW	CH₄	N₂	CO	H₂	H₂O	CO₂	O₂
1	25.00	101	17.17	0	1.00	0	0	0	0	0	0
2	25.33	102	17.17	0	1.00	0	0	0	0	0	0
3	724.76	102	135.39	28.66	0.18	0	0.06	0	0.45	0.21	0
4	527.86	102	135.39	17.49	0.11	0	0.05	0.28	0.31	0.24	0
5	700.00	102	135.39	26.64	0.11	0	0.05	0.28	0.31	0.24	0
6	911.53	102	193.60	51.54	0	0	0.08	0.12	0.54	0.26	0
7	911.53	102	118.22	31.48	0	0	0.08	0.12	0.54	0.26	0
8	911.53	102	75.37	20.07	0	0	0.08	0.12	0.54	0.26	0
9	25.00	101	705.97	0	0	0.79	0	0	0	0	0.21
10	25.40	102	705.97	0.06	0	0.79	0	0	0	0	0.21
11	700.00	102	705.97	68.63	0	0.79	0	0	0	0	0.21
12	911.53	102	647.76	95.44	0	0.85	0	0	0	0	0.15
13	1 093.51	102	723.13	148.76	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
14	936.06	102	723.13	117.71	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
15	647.17	25	723.13	41.84	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
16	226.72	25	723.13	-13.25	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
17	40.00	25	723.13	-23.54	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
19		25
20		101
21	40.00	25	723.13	-23.54	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
22	210.78	101	723.13	9.68	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12
23	126.78	101	723.13	3.79	0	0.76	0	0	0.08	0.04	0.12

参数	取值范围	总效率变化率（每变化1%）/%	敏感性排序
后燃烧室效率	0.90~0.95	0.45	1
压气机压比	15~25	0.32	2
涡轮膨胀比	12~20	0.28	3
机械传动效率	0.97~0.99	0.15	4

部件	燃料㶲/kW	产品㶲/kW	㶲损失/kW	㶲效率/%
燃料泵	247.19	247.19	0	100.00
混合器	359.29	354.52	4.77	98.67
预重整器	354.52	351.84	2.67	99.25
HE1	505.20	503.63	1.58	99.69
SOFC	430.49	422.42	8.07	98.12
空气泵	0.96	0.94	0.02	97.92
HE2	204.30	191.56	12.74	93.76
后燃烧室	167.93	153.36	14.57	91.32
T1	122.31	117.38	4.93	95.97
C1	18.14	14.28	3.85	78.75
冷凝过程	-8.65	-18.92	10.27	45.72
总系统	285.22	173.53	63.48	60.84