Flexibilization of an MGT-SOFC hybrid system for electricity and hydrogen production for the realization of a sustainable hydrogen economy

The turbo fuel cell is a hybrid combination of a micro-gas turbine (MGT) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). It will contribute to an environmentally friendly, reliable and affordable energy supply due to its high electrical efficiency and low line losses in close proximity to residential districts. The turbo fuel cell (MGT-SOFC hybrid system) makes it possible to increase independence from fossil fuels by choosing a fuel cell type with maximum fuel flexibility embedded in a turbo machine process. This hybrid technology makes it possible to transform the existing fossil gas economy into a hydrogen economy. This technology converts products from "power-to-X-gas" conversions from renewable energies into electrical energy with the highest conversion efficiency and thus contributes to the goal of stopping CO2 emissions by 2050. The turbo fuel cell supplies energy exactly where it is needed. The principle-related waste heat can be used for building air conditioning (heating or cooling) systems. Thanks to the condensing technology, an overall efficiency of over 96% can thus be demonstrated. Additionally, it contributes to grid stability through high flexibility and cluster capability. For methane to be converted into electricity in a turbo fuel cell, a synthesis gas is generated from a CH4 partial flow via an integrated pre-reformer according to the principle of steam reforming. Through high-temperature separation after the pre-reformer, hydrogen can be extracted from the synthesis gas and discharged for use in other applications (e.g., hydrogen mobility). Hydrogen extraction does not lead to a deterioration of electrical efficiency, which is about 70% in the system under consideration. In the living spaces of tomorrow, hydrogen and electrical energy for mobility can thus be provided even before the realisation of a supra-regional hydrogen supply economy. Decarbonisation of the energy economy can be advanced through the introduction of this technology. In this publication, it is shown how important this technology is for the introduction of a hydrogen economy with the inclusion of existing infrastructure.