Thermodynamic and economic analysis of a novel solid oxide fuel cell, two level thermoelectric generator and double effect parallel absorption chiller integrated system

This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and economic analysis of a novel hybrid energy system integrating a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) with a Two-Level Thermoelectric Generator (TTEG) and a DoubleEffect Parallel Absorption Chiller (DEPAC) for enhanced waste heat recovery. The primary objective is to maximize energy utilization and overall efficiency by leveraging the synergetic effects of these components. Unlike previous studies, this research uniquely evaluates the effectiveness of the integrated system and examines the impact of different Absorption Chiller configurations and the number of TTEG elements, filling a critical gap in the literature. The proposed system achieves a net electrical efficiency of 42.88 %, an energy efficiency of 44.61 %, and an exergy efficiency of 57.16 % under optimal conditions. This marks a significant improvement compared to standalone SOFC systems, with the TTEG effectively harnessing waste heat and contributing an additional 0.680 kW/m2 to the overall power output. The integration of the DEPAC system further enhances performance by providing cooling with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1.351. The economic analysis reveals a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $1,993,136, a Dynamic Payback Period (DPP) of 6.7 years, and a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $59/MWh, underscoring the system's financial viability. These findings demonstrate that the hybrid system offers a sustainable and efficient solution for power generation and waste heat recovery, aligning with the broader goals of advancing renewable energy technologies and setting a new benchmark in hybrid energy system design and optimization.