Economic efficiency of systems using solid oxide fuel cells powered by natural gas

The use of natural gas fuel cells can significantly increase the sustainability and efficiency of energy supply to private homes, provide important environmental benefits and reduce energy costs. However, the widespread use of natural gas fuel cells in residential buildings is limited by a number of factors, among which the most significant is the high cost of a fuel cell. The study analyzes energy consumption for two energy supply systems, a standard system based on a double-circuit gas boiler and a system using a solid oxide fuel cell powered by natural gas. purpose. To determine the economic feasibility of using solid oxide fuel cells (TTE) on natural gas in private residential buildings. Methods. Data on energy consumption of the analyzed building was collected using meter readings. Based on these data, annual schedules of electricity and natural gas consumption were created. The scheme of the energy supply system of a private house using TTE, as well as the equation of the mathematical model of natural gas consumption by the system with TTE, were based on the laws of conservation of energy and mass, as well as using statistical methods for analyzing existing research in the field of fuel cell applications. results. During the study, a graph of the dynamics of energy prices by month was compiled for the two compared systems. conclusion. The introduction of energy supply systems based on solid oxide fuel cells (TTE) powered by natural gas in residential buildings may be a promising solution. A comparison of a system based on a double-circuit gas boiler without a TTE and a system with a TTE on natural gas showed that monthly savings range from 24% to 47%, with an average annual value of 34.5%. For a family of three living in a two-storey brick house in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, this means an annual savings of 25,080 rubles.