Optimization of Binary Co-generative Thermal Power Plants with SOFC on Solid Fuel

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight in the optimization problem of binary co-generative power plant with high temperature solid oxide fuel cells on solid fuel with a higher power. Thus conceived power plant belongs to the category of high efficiency modern power systems composed of modular fuel cells, gas turbine and steam turbine co-generation power plant. Main emphasis is placed on the lignite, mostly represented fuel in Macedonia. For this type of power plants it was developed software package, used for optimization of the complex functions (composed of many variables) and the optimization criteria is maximum exergy efficiency. The optimization procedure of this combined plant provides many technical, environmental and economy benefits. Verification of the software package is made by comparison of the simulation results and the already performed and analyzed similar plants from literary sources. Another comparison is made between binary co-generation power plant with and without fuel cell, in relation of the efficiency and environmental benefits.