Simulation and optimization of SOFC-BCHP system

As the prime motor of dispersed energy system, the high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are high efficient with large heat recovery. This study presents a simulation of SOFC building-based cooling,heat and power (BCHP) system, which can meet basic requirements in power and heating (cooling) of the designated customers. The peak power load can be met by power grid, while the peak heating (cooling) load requirement can be met by backup equipments. In order to solve the economic dispatch problem of the energy system, a restricted nonlinear optimization model has been developed. The production costs can be minimized via both the equality constraints of customer's beat and power demands, and other inequality constrains of equipments' capacities. The sequential quadratic programming method has been used to search the solution. The study indicates that the model can be used to optimize the system's capacities and run strategy. An office building case has been computed, and it is indicated that the model can be served in design and optimization of SOFC-BCHP system.