Parameter evaluation for a hybrid marine system combining solid oxide fuel cells and overexpanded steam-injected gas turbine

The article focuses on the development of decarbonized marine power systems, consisting of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and gas turbines (GT), aiming to provide high economic and environmental performance. Currently, the potential of such systems is not fully realized due to issues related to the insufficient reliability and durability of the fuel cells themselves, as well as suboptimal heat utilization processes in the gas turbine section of the power plant. In contrast to previous research, this study demonstrates the prospects of using the steam-injected gas turbine (STIG) cycle and overexpanded turbine to improve the heat recovery conditions of exhaust gasses from fuel cells, enhance the efficiency of the power system, and increase the longevity of its key components. To achieve this, a corresponding mathematical model was developed, and optimization calculations for the proposed system cycle were conducted. Adopting the proposed cycle with a steam-injected gas turbine resulted in a 4.4 % increase in efficiency compared to traditional schemes. Such a system could be utilized in the design of advanced marine power system for the next generation. © 2024 The Author(s)