Modelling of a SOFC-based micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) system for a residential application

A multi-physics process simulation software has become a fundamental instrument for managing the entire lifecycle of a product, from ideation to end-of-life. It accelerates the design and optimization of large systems, aiding in decision-making, engineering, and operation. With the recent growth of renewable energy systems and the push towards energy transition, it is necessary to develop new modules into the simulation tools to include new technologies. Siemens is investing on that and is currently developing new modules for the inclusion of SOFC in their process simulation software Simcenter Amesim. In this context, the goal of this thesis is to develop and optimize a simulation model of a micro-combined heat and power (m-CHP) system based on the use of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for residential application. To start, it was made a study of all the components that go into the inclusion of a SOFC into a residential house, their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. Then, there was the study of the capacities of the Amesim libraries, development, and validation of the needed components such as the Fuel Cell, reformer and afterburner. This was followed by the modelling in Amesim of a complete balance of plant of a SOFC fueled by natural gas and applied into a residential house, with a sensitivity analysis to some of the most important inputs to the system. To finalize, it is presented a case study comparing the Fuel Cell system developed in terms of energy cost and carbon emissions to other ways of supplying the household demand, such as using only the electricity grid, a combination of power grid and natural gas or hydrogen. The report is concluded with notes on the capacities and limitations of the model and suggestions to further improvements that can be implemented.