Process modeling and analysis of a combined heat and power system integrating solid oxide fuel cell and organic Rankine cycle for poultry litter utilization

Syngas from the gasification process of poultry litter can be utilized as the fuel in the solid oxide fuel cell for electricity production. A novel combined heat and power system, integrating solid oxide fuel cell and organic Rankine cycle, is currently proposed to achieve efficient and clean utilization of poultry litter. The effects of biomass type for co-gasification and six operational parameters on this cogeneration system are studied. Results show that the total electricity production, fuel cell power output, total heat production and primary energy utilization efficiency are 162.02 kW, 141.65 kW, 52.41 kW and 44.70%, respectively. Co-gasification of straw and poultry litter can improve the overall system performance. Low water content of poultry litter is generally preferable. The highest primary energy utilization is achieved at equivalent air ratio of around 0.26. Increasing water-carbon ratio would deteriorate the fuel cell and the overall system performance. When the operating temperature is 950 °C, the energy utilization efficiency reaches the peak value. This energy efficiency reaches the maximum value of 44.98% at fuel utilization efficiency of 0.78. This research provides a new solution for high-value utilization of the low-calorific poultry litter, to achieve the sustainable utilization of wasted energy and biomass resources.