Models For Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems

This book presents methodologies suitable for the optimal design of control and diagnosis strategies for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems. One key feature of the methodologies presented is the use of modeling tools with an ideal balance between accuracy and computational burden. Particular emphasis is given to the useful combination of models within a hierarchical framework to reduce the experimental efforts required for characterization and testing. Such tools are proven to be highly effective for SOFC systems destined for both residential and transportation applications. Throughout the book, optimization is always conceived in such a way so as to allow the SOFC systems to work efficiently while guaranteeing safe thermal operation, as well as an extended lifetime. This book is aimed at scientists and engineers involved in the design of marketable SOFC systems. It gathers the knowledge and experience derived from other research and industry practice for which control and diagnosis have proven to be the main keys to success and market penetration.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical power generation devices that can convert chemical energy of a fuel into electricity in an efficient, environmental-friendly, and quiet manner. Due to their high operating temperature, SOFCs feature fuel flexibility as internal reforming of hydrocarbon fuels and ammonia thermal cracking can be realized in SOFC anode. This book presents an overview of the SOFC technology with a focus on the recent developments in new technologies and new ideas for addressing the key issues of SOFC development. This book first introduces the fundamental principles of SOFCs and compares SOFC technology with conventional heat engines as well as low temperature fuel cells. Then the latest developments in SOFC R&D are reviewed and future directions are discussed. Key issues related to SOFC performance improvement, long-term stability, mathematical modelling, as well as system integration/control are addressed, including material development, infiltration technique for nano-structured electrode fabrication, focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) technique for microstructure reconstruction, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) simulation at pore scale, multi-scale modelling, SOFC integration with buildings and other cycles for stationary applications.

This book fills the need for a practical reference for all scientists and graduate students who are seeking to define a mathematical model for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) simulation. Structured in two parts, part one presents the basic theory, and the general equations describing SOFC operation phenomena. Part two deals with the application of the theory to practical examples, where different SOFC geometries, configurations, and different phenomena are analyzed in detail.

Design and Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: The Systems Engineering Vision for Industrial Application presents a comprehensive, critical and accessible review of the latest research in the field of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). As well as discussing the theoretical aspects of the field, the book explores a diverse range of power applications, such as hybrid power plants, polygeneration, distributed electricity generation, energy storage and waste management—all with a focus on modeling and computational skills. Dr. Sharifzadeh presents the associated risks and limitations throughout the discussion, providing a very complete and thorough analysis of SOFCs and their control and operation in power plants. The first of its kind, this book will be of particular interest to energy engineers, industry experts and academic researchers in the energy, power and transportation industries, as well as those working and researching in the chemical, environmental and material sectors. Closes the gap between various power engineering disciples by considering a diverse variety of applications and sectors Presents and reviews a variety of modeling techniques and considers regulations throughout Includes CFD modeling examples and process simulation and optimization programming guidance

The high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is identified as one of the leading fuel cell technology contenders to capture the energy market in years to come. However, in order to operate as an efficient energy generating system, the SOFC requires an appropriate control system which in turn requires a detailed modelling of process dynamics. Introducting state-of-the-art dynamic modelling, estimation, and control of SOFC systems, this book presents original modelling methods and brand new results as developed by the authors. With comprehensive coverage and bringing together many aspects of SOFC technology, it considers dynamic modelling through first-principles and data-based approaches, and considers all aspects of control, including modelling, system identification, state estimation, conventional and advanced control. Key features: Discusses both planar and tubular SOFC, and detailed and simplified dynamic modelling for SOFC Systematically describes single model and distributed models from cell level to system level Provides parameters for all models developed for easy reference and reproducing of the results All theories are illustrated through vivid fuel cell application examples, such as state-of-the-art unscented Kalman filter, model predictive control, and system identification techniques to SOFC systems The tutorial approach makes it perfect for learning the fundamentals of chemical engineering, system identification, state estimation and process control. It is suitable for graduate students in chemical, mechanical, power, and electrical engineering, especially those in process control, process systems engineering, control systems, or fuel cells. It will also aid researchers who need a reminder of the basics as well as an overview of current techniques in the dynamic modelling and control of SOFC.

Fuel cells are widely regarded as the future of the power and transportation industries. Intensive research in this area now requires new methods of fuel cell operation modeling and cell design. Typical mathematical models are based on the physical process description of fuel cells and require a detailed knowledge of the microscopic properties that govern both chemical and electrochemical reactions. Advanced Methods of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Modeling proposes the alternative methodology of generalized artificial neural networks (ANN) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) modeling. Advanced Methods of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Modeling provides a comprehensive description of modern fuel cell theory and a guide to the mathematical modeling of SOFCs, with particular emphasis on the use of ANNs. Up to now, most of the equations involved in SOFC models have required the addition of numerous factors that are difficult to determine. The artificial neural network (ANN) can be applied to simulate an object’s behavior without an algorithmic solution, merely by utilizing available experimental data. The ANN methodology discussed in Advanced Methods of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Modeling can be used by both researchers and professionals to optimize SOFC design. Readers will have access to detailed material on universal fuel cell modeling and design process optimization, and will also be able to discover comprehensive information on fuel cells and artificial intelligence theory.

A comprehensive guide to the modelling and design of solid oxide fuel cell hybrid power plants This book explores all technical aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid systems and proposes solutions to a range of technical problems that can arise from component integration. Following a general introduction to the state-of-the-art in SOFC hybrid systems, the authors focus on fuel cell technology, including the components required to operate with standard fuels. Micro-gas turbine (mGT) technology for hybrid systems is discussed, with special attention given to issues related to the coupling of SOFCs with mGTs. Throughout the book emphasis is placed on dynamic issues, including control systems used to avoid risk conditions. With an eye to mitigating the high costs and risks incurred with the building and use of prototype hybrid systems, the authors demonstrate a proven, economically feasible approach to obtaining important experimental results using simplified plants that simulate both generic and detailed system-level behaviour using emulators. Computational models and experimental plants are developed to support the analysis of SOFC hybrid systems, including models appropriate for design, development and performance analysis at both component and system levels. Presents models for a range of size units, technology variations, unit coupling dynamics and start-up and shutdown behaviours Focuses on SOFCs integration with mGTs in light of key constraints and risk avoidance issues under steady-state conditions and during transient operations Identifies interaction and coupling problems within the GT/SOFC environment, including exergy analysis and optimization Demonstrates an economical approach to obtaining important experimental results while avoiding high-cost components and risk conditions Presents analytical/computational and experimental tools for the efficient design and development of hardware and software systems Hybrid Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Modelling and Design is a valuable resource for researchers and practicing engineers involved in fuel cell fundamentals, design and development. It is also an excellent reference for academic researchers and advanced-level students exploring fuel cell technology.

This book reports on a comprehensive study on the modeling, online and offline parameter estimation and control strategies for fuel cell systems. Upon reviewing the control-oriented modeling of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell systems (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cell systems (SOFC), it describes a new a set of methodologies to estimate the parameters of these models, both online and offline. In turn, it reports on the design of different control systems for PEMFC and SOFC. Experimental findings are shown to demonstrate the efficiency of the newly developed methods in practical applications, and their improved performance over classical methods.