Modeling of a SOFC Combustor Hybrid Cycle for Commercial Electric Aviation

Trevor Kramer, January 17, 2023

Introduction of high efficiency power generation methods to the commercial aviation industry can lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. A SOFC combustor hybrid turbogenerator power generation cycle can provide a method for high efficiency power generation. This paper describes the simulated modeling and control of the SOFC-C-TG under a transient flight analysis utilizing the flight conditions and the power requirements of a Boeing 737 class narrow body aircraft which needs a peak power of approximately 29MW. It was found that the SOFC-C-TG is a promising solution for the power generation needs of a fully electric commercial passenger aircraft. The simplified modeling of the dynamics in the thermal fluid interactions are discussed in detail to capture the integrated system behavior. The system performance of the SOFC-C-TG is also discussed when applied to the flight conditions of a 737-class commercial fully electric aircraft and it was found that the proposed power generation method could be applicable to the power requirements of a similar sized fully electric aircraft. A SOFC-C-TG warm up is also discussed as well as preliminary system mass estimates.