Experimental characterization of solid oxide fuel cell hydrogen fueled in a residential small villa
Rosa Francesca De Masi, Valentino Festa, Daniele Penchini, Silvia Ruggiero, Giuseppe Peter Vanoli, Alberto Zinno
Abstract
The use of highly efficient cogeneration systems fueled by pure hydrogen, such as Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) in the residential sector, is one of the new frontiers for achieving the net zero greenhouse gas emissions transitions. The lack of experimental studies in this area prompted the authors to propose the present paper. It refers to hydrogen-fueled SOFC 1 kW-sized, integrated into the plant system of a single-family villa configurated as a nearly Zero Energy Building. The multiple objectives are: show the technical feasibility of this technology in building; analyse the data of a continuous monitoring campaign in wintertime; highlight the real performance compared to the manufacturer's declaration. The results demonstrate that, in particular conditions of photovoltaic production, it is possible to meet the home electric loads and have a surplus of energy to store or send to the national power grid. The calculated electrical efficiency is equal to 0.47 ÷ 0.48, while the maximum overall efficiency is 0.93. • In-field continuous campaign in wintertime under Mediterranean climate. • Efficiency SOFC reduction in the passage of different level of electrical power. • At nominal power conditions, the electrical efficiency is equal to 0.47 ÷ 0.48. • With a return temperature of 30.0 °C the median value of overall efficiency is 0.88. • Even at SOFC partial load, it is possible to have a surplus of energy.