Energy and exergy analyses of a combined ammonia-fed solid oxide fuel cell system for vehicular applications

In this study, both energetic and exergetic performances of a combined heat and power (CHP) system for vehicular applications are evaluated. This system proposes ammonia-fed solid oxide fuel cells based on proton conducting electrolyte (SOFC-H+) with a heat recovery option. Fuel consumption of combined fuel cell and energy storage system is investigated for several cases. The performance of the portable SOFC system is studied in a wide range of the cell’s average current densities and fuel utilization ratios. Considering a heat recovery option, the system exergy efficiency is calculated to be 60–90% as a function of current density, whereas energy efficiency varies between 60 and 40%, respectively. The largest exergy destructions take place in the SOFC stack, micro-turbine, and first heat exchanger. The entropy generation rate in the CHP system shows a 25% decrease for every 100 °C increase in average operating temperature.

► We studied the performance of a portable CHP system comprising Ammonia-fed SOFC-H+.
► Exergy efficiency, as evaluated versus current density, changes in range of 60–90%.
► Exergy destruction is mostly happening in the SOFC stack, and micro turbine.
► CHP Entropy generation rate decreases 25% per 100 °C working temperature increase.
► 50% fuel consumption reduction is achieved by Fuel Cell downsizing and ESS capturing.