Patent ID: 7709118
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: F01D,F02C,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of operating an atmospheric-pressure solid oxide fuel cell generator in combination with a gas turbine comprising a compressor and expander section; where an inlet oxidant is passed through the compressor and exits the compressor as a first oxidant stream and a second oxidant stream, the first oxidant stream passing through a flow control valve to control flow and then through a first heat exchanger, followed by mixing with the second oxidant stream to form a mixed oxidant stream; where the mixed oxidant stream is passed through a separate second heat exchanger countercurrent to fuel cell exhaust, a combustor and then the expander section of the gas turbine, which mixed oxidant-stream then passes through first heat exchanger, countercurrent to the first oxidant stream, before entry into the solid oxide fuel cell generator, which operates at a pressure of from 1.0 atmospheres to 1.2 atmospheres, which fuel cell generator is also supplied with fuel, where control of oxidant flow through the flow control valve and use of the first heat exchanger enables control of the temperature of the mixed oxidant stream at entry into the solid oxide fuel cell generator inlet, and where inlet air for the generator is also temperature controlled and wherein the temperature of the mixed oxidant stream at entry into the solid oxide fuel cell generator is between 500° C. to 700° C.