Conceptual design of a novel hybrid fuel cell/desalination system

A novel concept for integrating fuel cells with desalination systems is proposed and investigated in this work. Two unique case studies are discussed — the first involving a hybrid system with a reverse osmosis (RO) unit and the second — integrating with a thermal desalination process such as multi-stage flash (MSF). The underlying motivation for this system integration is that the exhaust gas from a hybrid power plant (fuel cell/turbine system) contains considerable amount of thermal energy, which may be utilized for desalination units. This exhaust heat can be suitably used for preheating the feed in desalination processes such as reverse osmosis which not only increases the potable water production, but also decreases the relative energy consumption by approximately 8% when there is an increase of just 8°C rise in temperature. Additionally, an attractive hybrid system application which combines power generation at 70%+ system efficiency with efficient waste heat utilization is thermal desalination. In this work, it is shown that the system efficiency can be raised appreciably when a high-temperature fuel cell co-generates DC power in-situ with waste heat suitable for MSF. Results indicate that such hybrid system could show a 5.6% increase in global efficiency. Such combined hybrid systems have overall system efficiencies (second-law base) exceeding those of either fuel-cell power plants or traditional desalination plants.     

Thermodynamical,economical and environmental evaluation of high efficiency gas turbine cogeneration systems

The paper evaluates the thermodynamical, economical and environmental characteristics of a cogeneration system composed of a gas turbine and a waste heat boiler (system A). Two other systems for increasing power generating efficiency are also evaluated, namely systems B and C, which are constructed by incorporating a regenerative cycle and a dual fluid cycle, respectively, into system A. It has been estimated that system C satisfies an environmental constraint that the nitrogen oxide density exhausted should be less than 100 parts in 10⁶, and that systems A and B also satisfy this constraint if a small amount of steam is injected into the combustor. The power generating efficiencies of systems A and B, in this case, and that of system C have been estimated to be 33.5%, 38.5% and 41.2%, respectively; i.e. the efficiencies of systems B and C can be improved noticeably compared with that of system A. The economics of these systems have also been evaluated based on the value of a profit index, and the systems are all estimated to be economically viable under the conditions assumed. As a result, it has been shown that it is possible to construct cogeneration systems with satisfactory characteristics of both environmental protection and profitability if system A is used in districts where the heat demand is large, system C in districts where the heat demand is small, and system B in districts with intermediate heat demand.     

Energetic–exergetic-economic analyses of a cogeneration thermic power plant in Turkey

In present study the exergy and economical analysis of a cogeneration plant system in Turkey (Esenyurt Thermic Power Plant) was performed based on the measured data during the operation time of the system. First and second laws of thermodynamics are adapted to the measured data. Furthermore, fuel-utilization efficiency, rate of power heat and rate of process heat are determined. The system is considered as a steady-state open thermodynamic system.     

Matrix modelling of small-scale trigeneration systems and application to operational optimization

Combined production of electricity, heat and cooling power in trigeneration represents a key option for the development of high-efficiency and cost-effective integrated energy systems. The complexity of the possible plant schemes calls for the adoption of general models handling multiple interconnected components and energy flows of various typologies. This paper presents a comprehensive input–output matrix approach aimed at modelling small-scale trigeneration equipment taking into account the interactions among plant components and external energy networks. Starting from the definitions of specific efficiency matrices for each plant component and from a matrix representation of the relevant interconnections, an overall efficiency matrix representing the whole plant is constructed. This construction is carried out by means of an original procedure, suitable for automatic and symbolic implementation, which, exploiting graph theory concepts, explores the tree formed by the backward paths from outputs to inputs. The proposed formulation maintains the separation among the individual energy vectors, each of which can be associated to its time-dependent price, providing the basic framework for formulating optimization problems concerning management of trigeneration systems within an energy market context. A numerical example referred to the optimal operation of a composite scheme with absorption and electric chillers is illustrated and discussed. The results obtained show the modelling effectiveness of the proposed matrix formulation.     

A natural-gas fuel processor for a residential fuel cell system

A system model was used to develop an autothermal reforming fuel processor to meet the targets of 80% efficiency (higher heating value) and start-up energy consumption of less than 500 kJ when operated as part of a 1-kWe natural-gas fueled fuel cell system for cogeneration of heat and power. The key catalytic reactors of the fuel processor – namely the autothermal reformer, a two-stage water gas shift reactor and a preferential oxidation reactor – were configured and tested in a breadboard apparatus. Experimental results demonstrated a reformate containing ∼48% hydrogen (on a dry basis and with pure methane as fuel) and less than 5 ppm CO. The effects of steam-to-carbon and part load operations were explored.     

Targeting cogeneration and waste utilization through process integration

In this paper we focus on energy flows and specifically on the complex interactions between heat and power generation and use in steam systems along with combustible wastes of the process. Our objective is to present a systematic methodology for the quick targeting of power cogeneration potential in steam systems ahead of designing the power generation network. The devised approach makes effective utilization of combustible wastes and reconciles the use and dispatch of process fuel sources, heating and non-heating uses of steam, and power generation. The new concept of extractable energy is introduced to facilitate a simple calculation of cogeneration potential in the process. Balances around steam headers are used to identify surpluses and deficits. Next, surplus and deficit composite curves are constructed to identify feasible transfers of extractable energy. The result is the identification of the cogeneration target and excess steam that can be used in condensing turbines. This methodology takes a holistic view of the process and can easily be combined with other mass and energy integration techniques. It specifically accommodates both (a) production objectives (mass integration) and (b) heat recovery network targeting and utility selection (energy integration). An example problem is presented to illustrate the methodology.     

关于联产电厂热电单耗分摊的讨论

热电联产是节约能源、保护环境的一种重要供热方式,热电单耗分摊的重要性不容置疑。本文用建立在“现代节能理论”基础上的单耗分析理论对热电单耗进行分析,并与传统方法进行比较,得出合理的结论。