Modeling and Performance Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Generation System for Hypersonic Vehicles

Advanced airborne power generation technology represents one of the most effective solutions for meeting the electricity requirements of hypersonic vehicles during long-endurance flights. This paper proposes a power generation system that integrates a high-temperature fuel cell to tackle the challenges associated with power generation in the hypersonic field, utilizing techniques such as inlet pressurization, autothermal reforming, and anode recirculation. Firstly, the power generation system is modeled modularly. Secondly, the influence of key parameters on the system’s performance is analyzed. Thirdly, the performance of the power generation system under the design conditions is simulated and evaluated. Finally, the weight distribution and exergy loss of the system’s components under the design conditions are calculated. The results indicate that the system’s electrical efficiency increases with fuel utilization, decreases with rising current density and steam-to-carbon ratio (SCR), and initially increases before declining with increasing fuel cell operating temperature. Under the design conditions, the system’s power output is 48.08 kW, with an electrical efficiency of 51.77%. The total weight of the power generation system is 77.09 kg, with the fuel cell comprising 69.60% of this weight, resulting in a power density of 0.62 kW/kg. The exergy efficiency of the system is 55.86%, with the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) exhibiting the highest exergy loss, while the mixer demonstrates the greatest exergy efficiency. This study supports the application of high-temperature fuel cells in the hypersonic field.