Assessing the techno-economic viability of a trigeneration system integrating ammonia-fuelled solid oxide fuel cell

In recent years, ammonia has gained traction as a clean fuel alternative and a promising energy carrier. In this study, a trigeneration system fuelled by ammonia has been conceptualised, integrating a solid oxide fuel cell stack for power generation, a hot water unit for heating, and an NH3-H2O absorption chiller for cooling. The main objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive techno-economic feasibility assessment of the proposed trigeneration system. The system's performance was analysed for a UK supermarket requiring electricity, heating, and cooling. A detailed sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the influence of significant operating parameters, including current density, fuel utilisation factor, and cell temperature, on the system's performance. The system can deliver maximum power, heating, and cooling outputs of 357.6 kW, 257.9 kW, and 46.99 kW, respectively. The trigeneration system is projected to achieve its highest exergy efficiency at 60.94%, with a maximum fuel energy saving ratio of 47.67%. The lowest levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is estimated to be 0.1232 pound per kWh. This study's objective is also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 7, which aims to achieve "Affordable and Clean Energy".