Comparative techno-economic assessment of solid oxide fuel cells versus hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines for institutional energy management
Amir Reza Razmi, Amir Reza Hanifi, Mahdi Shahbakhti
Abstract
• Techno-economic assessment of hydrogen fuelled CHPs for institutional sector. • Comparative study of solid oxide fuel cell versus hydrogen fuelled combustion engine CHPs. • Incorporating real-word heat, electricity, and temperature data for accurate feasibility studies. • Evaluating the impact of future advancements in capital cost and lifespan on solid oxide fuel cell feasibility. Hydrogen is globally recognized as a transformative energy carrier, offering a pathway to a sustainable and low-carbon future. Its integration into energy systems, particularly through combined heat and power (CHP) technologies, provides an efficient and reliable solution for institutional energy management while supporting global decarbonization efforts. This study examines the potential of hydrogen-based CHPs in decarbonizing the energy management of the University of Alberta (UofA) in Canada, aligned with the objectives outlined in the university’s master energy plan. A comparative analysis using real operational data evaluates two hydrogen-based CHP technologies: solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (HICE). Results indicate that a 70 MW CHP system could meet the university’s total energy demand with a heat-to-power ratio ranging from 0.4 to 4.1, depending on seasonal changes. While the HICE-based CHP features a lower capital cost of $140 million, annual operational costs of $24.25 million, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 20.1 ¢/kWh, it emits over 4 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually. In contrast, the SOFC-based CHP system, while having higher capital, operational expenditures, and LCOE of $280 million and $66.32 million per year, and 33.5 ¢/kWh, respectively, delivers superior environmental performance, positioning it as a more sustainable solution. Additionally, as SOFC technology matures, its long-term economic feasibility is expected to improve significantly. Therefore, although the HICE-based CHP is currently more economical, SOFC systems hold a great potential as the preferred sustainable energy solution for UofA or similar institutions with decarbonization and sustainability mandates.