Fuel Cell Dynamic Modeling
Overview
The safe and reliable operation and deployment of fuel cell systems to meet the needs of increased power demand, increased power quality and increased power availability is inhibited by a limited understanding of and limited analysis capability for the dynamic system response of fuel cells and fuel cell hybrid systems. Dynamic modeling tools are required to understand and advance the state-of-the-art in fuel cell systems by enhancing their reliability and safety through the determination of their dynamic responses to input and output conditions when connected to loads to produce useful electricity. These dynamic analysis strategies exist for other power generation technologies, but are not well established for fuel cells and fuel cell hybrid systems.
Objectives
The overall goal of this project is to develop dynamic modeling tools and capabilities for simulation of the state-of-the-art power generation technologies that are being developed and advanced by the fuel cell community often with U.S. Department of Energy and California Energy Commission support.
To meet this goal, the technical objectives for this effort include:
- Development of a standard framework for the dynamic simulation of hybrid fuel cell heat engine systems
- Development of simulation capabilities for modeling: (1) a reformer, (2) a solid oxide fuel cell, (3) a gas turbine engine, (4) a hybrid balance of plant, and (5) a molten carbonate fuel cell.
- Acquisition of data for model verification,
- Model comparison to data from a specific hybrid SOFC-MTG system, and
- Broadening of the modeling results to assist in the development
of second-generation hybrid systems (e.g., SOFC-GT) and new types
of hybrid systems (e.g., MCFC-GT).
Fuel cell and fuel cell hybrid system parameters·
- Transient performance
- Electrical and gas flows and control
- Power inversion
- Varying time scales
- Dynamic control
- Fuel cell thermal mass
- BOP transients
- Turbine response times
- Control System Designs
- Start-Up
- Load Upset
- Thermal Management
These technical objectives serve as the means for advancing fuel cell and fuel cell hybrid technology for ratepayer and environmental performance benefits and are the basis for the tasks being addressed in this project.
Products:
- Standardized analysis format and protocols,
- Fundamental understanding of fuel cell dynamics,
- Fundamental insight into the dynamic operation of fuel
cell gas turbine hybrid systems,
- Guidance for the development of control systems for fuel
cell hybrid systems,
- Optimized high temperature fuel cell systems and cycles, and
- Web-based public information dissemination.
Status:
- Most Modules Complete
- Validation testing initiated
- Settled on the Standardized Platform of Simulink
- Simulating the performance of various hybrid system components
including: (1) tubular SOFC, (2) planar SOFC, (3) planar
MCFC, (4)
natural gas reformer, (5) gas turbine compressors and
expanders, (6) heat xchangers, and (7)
balance of plant components
- Beginning to simulate full hybrid systems