According to the sources and methods of energy extraction and conversion and consumption in the world, in this article the types of fuel cells as an efficient system with the ability to convert different fuels into electricity with high efficiency compared to other energy conversion systems is studied. The advantages and disadvantages of each fuel cell is reviewed. Also, the research done in this field by the researcher during the last 20 years all over the world is collected and the presented results are compared. According to the results of this study the solid oxide fuel cells which have many advantages compared to other similar systems, are carefully studied and different methods of energy recovery from this system in combination with different systems and in different applications and different scales for production of heating, cooling and added power and as a result, efficiency and energy performance of the system is considered. In addition to these advantages, the investigated system faces several problems such as the lack of necessary infrastructures for its production and use and its high price compared to other methods of energy supply. In the future, these problems will be solved with the increase in the investments and supports of new technologies and it is expected that by using this system, every building will reach self-sufficiency in production and supply of energy consumption needs.
