Optimization of the design and operation of SOFC-based systems for building sector

According to the ComSos project, this work has the aim to demonstrate and evaluate the potential of using a fuel cell-based system in the building sector. In a world that has the duty to look at pollution and climate change with more and more attention, the SOFC-based systems, whit the help of other RES technologies, could be one of the most sustainable and efficient energy solutions thanks to their ability to produce at the same time heat and electricity with almost nil operating pollutants emissions (PM, NOx, SOx, VOC etc.). The system considered has to satisfy the load of a small hotel situated in Cuneo (Italy). Comparisons from a reference case, represented by the supply from the network for electricity and the use of a boiler powered by natural gas for the thermal request, and cases based on fuel cell system are carried on. In order to do this, the hourly electrical and thermal load of the building, the hourly cost of electricity and methane in Italy and the hourly meteorological data of the place during the year are taken. Then a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming model is used to find the optimal configuration of the system minimizing the total cost of the plant during its whole life. The concept of typical days is also implemented to allow the problem to be resolved in a reasonable time. An analysis from an economic and environmental point of view has been reported in order to analyse the advantages and disadvantages related to SOFC-based cogeneration systems. The results show that, the installation of a fuel cell system with the present investment cost and lifetime is still not feasible compared to the traditional systems. However, SOFC-based systems become convenient when reducing the SOFC capex to a commercial target cost and improving their lifetime.