TY - JOUR
T1 - Performance potential of a new molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell–based triple-cycle system for clean and efficient coal use
AU - Han, Yuan
AU - Zhang, Houcheng
AU - Xie, Gongnan
AU - Ni, Meng
N1 - Funding Information:
the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, Grant/Award Number: Grant No. LY20E060002; the K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University, China., Grant/Award Number: Project Number: PolyU 152214/17E and PolyU 152064/; K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University; Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, Grant/Award Number: LY20E060002 Funding information
Funding Information:
This work has been supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (Grant No. LY20E060002), and the K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University, China. M. Ni thanks the funding support (Project Number: PolyU 152214/17E and PolyU 152064/18E) from Research Grant Council, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong SAR.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Abstract: To efficiently and environmental-friendly use coal, a novel triple-cycle system model incorporating molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell (MHDCFC), alkali metal thermal electric converter (AMTEC), and thermoelectric generator (TEG) is proposed to evaluate the performance potential. Considering a variety of electrochemical and thermodynamic irreversible losses, a mathematical model for the proposed system is developed, and optimum operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined. Numerical calculations indicate that the improvements in the maximum power density and the corresponding efficiency of the triple-cycle system are, respectively, about 92% and 26% compared with the single MHDCFC, and the improvements are, respectively, 11% and 10% compared with the cogeneration system composed of MHDCFC and AMTEC. Extensive parametric studies show that an increase in the operating temperature, reactor compartment width, proportional coefficient, or thermocouple number may positively improve the tricycle system performance; whereas an increase in the O2 flow rate, ratio of AMTEC cathode area to MHDCFC electrode area or thermodynamic loss-related parameter may degrade the tricycle system performance. Highlights: An advanced triple-cycle system is proposed for waste heat recovery. Various irreversible losses within the system are mathematically described. Optimal operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined. Maximum power density and efficiency are increased by 92% and 26%, respectively. Effects of some important parameters on the system performance are discussed.
AB - Abstract: To efficiently and environmental-friendly use coal, a novel triple-cycle system model incorporating molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell (MHDCFC), alkali metal thermal electric converter (AMTEC), and thermoelectric generator (TEG) is proposed to evaluate the performance potential. Considering a variety of electrochemical and thermodynamic irreversible losses, a mathematical model for the proposed system is developed, and optimum operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined. Numerical calculations indicate that the improvements in the maximum power density and the corresponding efficiency of the triple-cycle system are, respectively, about 92% and 26% compared with the single MHDCFC, and the improvements are, respectively, 11% and 10% compared with the cogeneration system composed of MHDCFC and AMTEC. Extensive parametric studies show that an increase in the operating temperature, reactor compartment width, proportional coefficient, or thermocouple number may positively improve the tricycle system performance; whereas an increase in the O2 flow rate, ratio of AMTEC cathode area to MHDCFC electrode area or thermodynamic loss-related parameter may degrade the tricycle system performance. Highlights: An advanced triple-cycle system is proposed for waste heat recovery. Various irreversible losses within the system are mathematically described. Optimal operation ranges for several important performance indicators are determined. Maximum power density and efficiency are increased by 92% and 26%, respectively. Effects of some important parameters on the system performance are discussed.
KW - alkali metal thermal electric converter
KW - molten hydroxide direct carbon fuel cell
KW - performance assessment
KW - thermoelectric generator
KW - triple-cycle system
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85131162657&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/er.8176
DO - 10.1002/er.8176
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85131162657
SN - 0363-907X
JO - International Journal of Energy Research
JF - International Journal of Energy Research
ER -