Comprehensive Analysis of Optimal Thermal Management Strategies in the Atmospheric Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Integrated With Bottoming Cycle

Abstract

Atmospheric solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-based hybrid systems are a promising solution for efficient power generation and waste heat utilization. However, their performance is highly dependent on tailored thermal management strategies. To address this issue, this study presents a hybrid system model with splitters and conducts a systematic approach including local sensitivity analysis, synergistic effect evaluation, heat exchange configuration assessment, and optimization. Sensitivity analysis identifies the splitters for anode off-gas and cathode off-gas recirculations as key factors influencing system performance. Synergistic effect evaluations reveal specific combinations of splitters that enhance the net power and efficiency of the hybrid system. Additionally, system performance is evaluated under precombustion and postcombustion heat exchange configurations. Precombustion heat exchange excels at higher SOFC outlet temperatures by effectively preheating inlet streams, while postcombustion configuration performs better at lower outlet temperatures due to efficient heat utilization for bottoming cycle power generation. Optimal thermal management strategies are obtained using a neural network-based regression model and a genetic algorithm, achieving a 52.3% increase in net power and a 6.3% improvement in net efficiency compared to the base case. These findings provide valuable insights into designing efficient SOFC-based hybrid systems and highlight the importance of tailoring thermal management strategies.