Integration of Flame-assisted Fuel Cells with a Gas Turbine running Jet-A as fuel

Rhushikesh Ghotkar, Ryan J. Milcarek

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

In recent years, the aircraft industry is heading towards the concept of the More Electric Airplane (MEA). Previous research has investigated the possibility of integrating Dual Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DC-SOFC) with the auxiliary power unit (APU) of the aircraft. This paper evaluates the merits of integrating the recently proposed Flame-assisted Fuel Cells (FFCs) with the APU gas turbine system. The syngas composition for fuel-rich combustion is studied using chemical equilibrium analysis of Jet-A/air at 8 Bar and 1073 K. The results show the potential for reforming Jet-A fuel to 22% Carbon Monoxide and 18% Hydrogen in the exhaust at an equivalence ratio of 2.4. The paper also reports how the efficiency of power generation changes when FFCs are placed in the combustor of a turbine in the APU. The maximum theoretical electrical efficiency of the FFC/combustor and the area and weight of the fuel cell required to generate the design power is calculated. The FFC offers a viable substitute for the DC-SOFC to be integrated with the APU.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASME 2019 Power Conference, POWER 2019
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791859100
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019
EventASME 2019 Power Conference, POWER 2019 - Salt Lake City, United States
Duration: Jul 15 2019Jul 18 2019

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Power Division (Publication) POWER
Volume2019-July

Conference

ConferenceASME 2019 Power Conference, POWER 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySalt Lake City
Period7/15/197/18/19

Keywords

  • Flame-assisted fuel cells
  • Gas turbine
  • More electric airplane
  • Solid oxide fuel cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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