Hybrid Systems Analysis Based on an Existing 2kw Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

This paper addresses the thermodynamic analysis of different hybrid systems basing on an exiting 2 kw molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC). Various possible system layouts, with the major difference among these layouts being the compression and heating method of the MCFC inlet, are proposed. The energy efficiency and output power are studied for comparison purposes. The energy efficiency of the different system can change between 30% and 40% because of the different layouts. Hybrid system based on MCFC and a regenerated micro-gas turbine is analyzed. The effect of cycle design parameters, such as the compression ratio and turbine inlet temperature, on the performance of a MCFC/MGT hybrid system is investigated. General design is found that higher compression ratio and turbine inlet temperature leads to higher energy efficiency.