Simulation and Analysis of the Semi-Closed Solid Oxide CO2 Cycle (SOSCO2) for High Efficiency Ultra Low Carbon Power Generation

Abstract This work presents the simulation and techno-economic evaluation of the SOS-CO2 cycle, a novel hybrid cycle combining a pressurized solid oxide fuel cells with an oxy-turbine cycle. The cycle and its components are modelled and sized with the aim of assessing its performance and cost of electricity. A fuel cell design with high single-pass fuel utilization factor is considered. Sensitivity analyses on the fuel cell operating voltage and costs are performed to quantify their effects on the overall cycle performance. The results show that the cycle is expected to achieve outstanding net electric efficiency values, in the range 65.7%–69.3%, while capturing 95% of the generated CO2. The resulting specific CO2 emissions are as low as 15.9 gCO2/kWh. The cost of electricity is expected to be in the range 133 vs. 128.4 €/MWh (depending on the fuel cell voltage), a value competitive with the best available technologies for CO2 capture and storage.