Application of Advanced Fuel Cells for Utility Load Leveling

摘要

Three system designs are described and analyzed for Molten Carbonate (MCFC) and Solid Oxide (SOFC) Fuel Cells operating on natural gas. The two MCFC systems reach fuel to bus bar efficiencies of 50% HHV and can be ramped up or down over short time spans. The SOFC system is less efficient, but has fewer components and can also follow load variations. The effect of electrochemical fuel utilization on net system efficiencies and subsystem behavior is analyzed. (ERA citation 08:041332)