Thermodynamic analysis for SOFC/ICE integration in hybrid systems for maritime application

As the International Maritime Organization has set 2030 and 2050 targets to reduce the environmental impact of the maritime sector, it is mandatory to investigate innovative solutions aimed at fuel saving and reduction of ship emissions. In this paper, the integration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is investigated for maritime application, targeting a short-sea ferry as a case study operated by a marine gas engine (MGE) rated 750 kW. The paper aims to model via an in-house tool (WTEMP) the proposed hybrid system and study thermodynamic interaction among the two main energy systems, SOFC and ICE, considering blending anode-off gas from the SOFC with natural gas in the ICE. The results showed relevant efficiency enhancement and fuel/CO2 emission savings if compared with traditional MGE while the main source of exergy loss of the hybrid system is ICE.