Analysis and Optimisation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System 0D-Model with the focus on Electrified Aircraft Propulsion

Kurzfassung

The importance of sustainable, alternative aircraft propulsion systems to achieve the emission goals in aviation set by Flightpath 2050 increases continuously. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) present a promising enabling technology for future electrified propulsion due to their high operating temperature and relatively high efficiency compared to other fuel cell types. This paper introduces a 0D model for the preliminary design of an SOFC system serving as main energy source of an aircraft propulsion system. This model is subsequently used in the optimisation of the system’s operating parameters. Aviation-specific requirements, such as the performance at different altitudes, are considered for two theoretical systems, one with the combustion of the SOFC off-gases and one without. The overall system efficiency and effective power are calculated for a given set of operating parameters through the evaluation of the Balance of Plant (BoP) components and the SOFC. Each subsystem is represented with a 0D-model and considers the main operating parameters and environmental conditions. The optimal operating point of the system with respect to the effective power and efficiency is derived with the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III). The optimisation results suggest that the system with combustor yields a higher efficiency and net power output. The tool developed in this paper can serve as basis for future studies regarding SOFC system architecture and operation optimisation.