Design of a prototype fuel cell/composite cycle power station

Abstract

The aspiration for fuel cells, in a public utility context, is that they are envisaged in the developed world as a means of significantly increasing the overall efficiency of power plants and of utilizing poor-quality fuel supplies. The thermodynamic and practical aspects in the design of a prototype power station consisting of a composite cycle of fuel cells, a gas turbine expander and a steam plant, or a steam plant only, are reported. The design was based on tubular fuel cell development. Overall efficiencies are estimated and limiting factors in the design are identified. Performance and emission characteristics are compared with existing plant.