Analysis of a Gas Turbine Almost Real Open Cycle Linked to the SOFC Module Behaviour

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are particular promising electrochemical generators for their high operating temperature that makes them suitable for integration with gas turbine cycles and cogeneration. The kind of fuel cell taken into account is the tubular SOFC technology, mainly developed by Siemens-Westinghouse. The SOFC module is fed with natural gas with internal reforming and internal air preheating. Elevated pressures are adopted in order to increase both fuel cell efficiency and power density. The inlet air temperature is set to 630 °C, and the inlet fuel temperature to 200 °C. The heat generated by irreversibility at the electrodes structure is given to the fuel and air flow, and …