Aircraft Engine Electrical Power Generation With a SOFC Combustor

Next generation aircraft will require more onboard electrical power generation capacity as systems previously powered by engine bleed and hydraulics are electrified and new electricity based technologies are integrated. Increasing the amount of electrical power generated from aircraft main engines reduces thrust capacity and thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC), but could increase specific fuel consumption (SFC). An alternative cycle with very high conversion efficiencies is proposed for electrical power production on aircraft. The unique cycle, termed a SOFC combustor, integrates a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) with existing onboard combustion based engines. The SOFC combustor produces direct current (DC) electrical power and provides high temperature exhaust for use in the expansion process of the aircraft engine. The SOFC combustor utilizes compressed air from the engine’s compressor and vaporized fuel to produce DC current. Fuel and air not utilized by the fuel cell are converted to thermal products by an aerodynamically stabilized combustion system capable of adapting to fuel/air and pressure variations. Hot products from the combustion system are returned to the main engines for use as thrust or mechanical shaft work. System level results will be presented for overall impact to aircraft engine specific fuel consumption.Copyright © 2014 by ASME