Optimal Design And Operation Of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems For Small Scale Stationary Applications

Optimal Design and Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems for Small-scale Stationary Applications

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

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.