Modeling and Multi Objective Optimization of SOFC Based On Breakeven Per Unit Electricity Cost, Efficiency and Output Power

In the context of stationary power generation, fuel cell based systems are being predicted as a valuable option to tabernacle the thermodynamic cycle based power plants. In this paper, a thermo-economic model is developed to simulate a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and optimize the stacks performance using genetic algorithm technique. Multi- objective optimization (MOO) method is presented that systematically generates the most attractive operation condition of a SOFC system. This allows performing the optimization of the system regarding to two objectives in the first problem that are minimization of the breakeven per-unit energy cost ($/kWh) and maximization of the output power. Similarly, two other objectives are also considered in the second problem as minimization of the breakeven per-unit energy cost ($/kWh) and maximization of the efficiency. Optimization of the first problem predicts a maximum power output of 78.7 kW at a breakeven per-unit energy cost of 0.56 $/kWh and minimum breakeven per-unit energy cost of 0.32 $/kWh at a power of 31.5 kW. In the second problem, maximum efficiency of 52.3% at a breakeven per-unit energy cost of 0.46 $/kWh is predicted, while minimum breakeven per-unit energy cost of 0.32 $/kWh at efficiency of 44.6% is obtained. At the end, sensitivity analyses of two problems for different fuel utilization values are presented. It is worthy to note that multi objective optimization can be considered both as an advanced analysis tool and as support to technology managers, engineers and decision makers when working by such as systems.