The effects of fuel type and cathode off-gas recirculation on combined heat and power generation of marine SOFC systems

An increasing demand in the marine industry to reduce emissions led investigations into more efficient power conversion using fuels with sustainable production pathways. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are under consideration for long-range shipping, because of its high efficiency, low pollutant emissions, and fuel flexibility. SOFC systems also have great potential cater heat ships, but integration is not often considered when assessing feasibility. This study evaluates electrical efficiency a 100 kW system applications fuelled methane, methanol, diesel, ammonia, or hydrogen. In addition, cathode off-gas recirculation (COGR) investigated tackle oxygen utilisation thus improve regeneration. The software Cycle Tempo used simulate plant, which uses 1D model SOFCs. At nominal conditions , highest net (LHV) was found methane (58.1%), followed by diesel (57.6%), ammonia (55.1%). (27.4%), hydrogen (25.6%). COGR resulted similar efficiencies, increased 11.9% 105.0% different fuels. verified sensitivity analysis validated comparison studies. It concluded that promising method increase systems.