Conceptual design space exploration of SOFC-GT hybrids

During the conceptual design space exploration, a variety of conceptual ideas were generated and aggregated, resulting in a concept cloud representing multiple design options. The SOFC integration into the gas turbine nacelle, which will be enabled by advancements in manufacturing capabilities that allow fabrication of more compact microtubular SOFCs, was identified as one of the main challenges. Therefore, potential SOFC integration options such as the circumferential as well as the box-shaped integration were introduced and discussed. Ultimately, five SOFC-GT integration concept candidates were pre-selected, discussed and preliminarily evaluated. The successful concept candidate that was downselected during HYLENA offers the best compromise between efficiency, weight, and operational implications. It is characterized by its cross-counterflow recuperator for SOFC inlet air preheating, as well as the non-axial box-shaped integration of the microtubular SOFC and the heat exchanger. The SOFC electrical power is directly integrated onto the output shaft via an electric motor, and the concept allows the core nozzle to contribute to thrust generation.