Feasibility study for SOFC-GT hybrid locomotive power: Part I. Development of a dynamic 3.5MW SOFC-GT FORTRAN model

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThis work assesses the feasibility of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine (SOFC-GT) hybrid power systems for use as the prime mover in freight locomotives. The available space in a diesel engine-powered locomotive is compared to that required for an SOFC-GT system, inclusive of fuel processing systems necessary for the SOFC-GT. The SOFC-GT space requirement is found to be similar to current diesel engines, without consideration of the electrical balance of plant. Preliminary design of the system layout within the locomotive is carried out for illustration. Recent advances in SOFC technology and implications of future improvements are discussed as well. A previously-developed FORTRAN model of an SOFC-GT system is then augmented to simulate the kinematics and power notching of a train and its locomotives. The operation of the SOFC-GT-powered train is investigated along a representative route in Southern California, with simulations presented for diesel reformate as well as natural gas reformate and hydrogen as fuels. Operational parameters and difficulties are explored as are comparisons of expected system performance to modern diesel engines. It is found that even in the diesel case, the SOFC-GT system provides significant savings in fuel and CO 2 emissions, making it an attractive option for the rail industry.

Comparative analysis of SOFC–GT freight locomotive fueled by natural gas and diesel with onboard reformation

“…Prior investigations utilizing the FORTRAN-based simulation model of this study have discussed the full details of the model structure, methodology, physics, chemistry and electrochemistry included, numerical methods, and convergence criteria [24,25]. In the current study, these details are largely the same, but certain additions and alterations have been introduced in order to accommodate the integrated dynamic simulation of the reformer module and the effects that such integration has on performance and model structure.…”

“…Each of these models, previously developed and described [24,25], were solved in the sequence shown in Fig. 4.…”

“…Other than this work and the two prior related feasibility analyses [24,25], assessment of SOFC technology for locomotives has only recently appeared in a pair of academic pursuits. In a study of a long-haul SOFC locomotive, Schroeder and Majumdar [26] concluded that such a system could feasibly be produced.…”

“…The current investigation builds upon the simplified system analyses developed in the two prior feasibility analyses [24,25]. In those works, a conceptual system design for an SOFC-gas turbine hybrid system was assessed based on its steady-state and in-service operational capability.…”

Stall/surge dynamics of a multi-stage air compressor in response to a load transient of a hybrid solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine system

“…In this paper, a power demand profile used by Martinez et al [1] is used in order to investigate the compressor behavior during a sudden increase in the power demand. Due to the complexity of the computation and turbomachinery complexity, only one step of the power demand profile is considered in the CFD simulations of this study.…”