DESIGN OF A PROTOTYPE FUEL-CELL COMPOSITE CYCLE POWER-STATION

The aspiration for fuel cells, in a public utility context, is that th ey are envisaged in the developed world as a means of significantly in creasing the overall efficiency of power plants and of utilizing poor- quality fuel supplies. The thermodynamic and practical aspects in the design of a prototype power station consisting of a composite cycle of fuel cells, a gas turbine expander and a steam plant, or a steam plan t only, are reported. The design was based on tubular fuel cell develo pment. Overall efficiencies are estimated and limiting factors in the design are identified. Performance and emission characteristics are co mpared with existing plant.