Model of electricity and heat generator based on a high temperature fuel cell for residential applications

Increasing electricity requirements in residential sector create a possible market for small cogeneration systems. Such a system can be based on a new and highly efficient technology such as high temperature fuel cells. Mathematical modeling is a low cost and effective method for analyzing possible operation strategies and system economical results. The objective of this paper was to present the simulation results of operation of a micro CHP system based on a SOFC in Polish reality. The model of SOFC based micro-CHP system was developed. Based on this model the technical and economical analysis was performed. The results of sensitivity analysis established a SOFC performance variation with utilities price changes. Moreover, the optimum of a micro-CHP system was found to be 1 kW.