Economically Optimal Sizing and Operation Strategy for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells to Effectively Manage Long-Term Degradation

In this paper, an economic analysis is conducted on standalone conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to determine their optimal economic operating conditions and to contribute to the commercialization of this technology. To this end, a mathematical model that accounts for dominant degradation phenomena is used to predict the long-term performance of SOFCs. The results of this analysis revealed that although SOFCs carry high capital costs, they are able to generate electricity at a cost similar to that of traditional power generators under optimal operational conditions. Moreover, it is possible to lower the degradation rate of the cells and run SOFCs under these conditions for several years. Sensitivity analysis showed that capital and fuel costs have the highest impacts on the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of SOFCs, while CO2 tax has the smallest. The findings of this analysis illustrate that performance and operational economics of an SOFC are dependent on its mode of operation: SOFCs operating in the constant-power-generation mode had the highest LCOE (ranging from 0.131 to 0.409 $/kW h for different life spans), while those with varying current densities, voltages, and power output during operation were able to generate electricity with a very low LCOE (0.12 to 0.357 $/kW h for different life spans).