Design and Optimization of a Fuel- and Air-Preheater for Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

摘要

In this study, fuel- and air-preheater for reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) are designed and optimized to improve energy utilization. The fuel- and air-preheater models are established and validated to be correct by comparison to experiment results. Geometry parameters of air- and fuel- preheater are optimized to get smaller temperature differences (T) between hot side inlet and cold side outlet. The other main optimization is to reduce pressure losses P in preheater channels. It is founded that three geometry parameters have significant influences on T and P, which are plate number, width and height of fuel- and air-preheater. For fuel preheater, the smallest T and P are obtained when geometry parameters are 9 plates, 4.8 mm width and 5 mm height. For air preheater, they are 7 plates, 1 mm width and 5mm height. This study shows new preheater models and analyzes the influence parameters of a reversible process on design. Smaller T and P are achieved by modifying these parameters, which make full use of recycling energy and minimize operating costs.