Abstract
A dynamical model for a 5 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
combined heat and power (CHP) plant system has been
composed. The model is based on a real test rig being
constructed and used at VTT Technical Research Centre of
Finland. The purpose of the test rig is to examine how
the stack and other components interact in order to gain
information on efficient plant design and to study
optimal system control strategies. To support these tasks
and to obtain further information that cannot be
retrieved by operating the test system alone, model
development has been undertaken. The model contains the
following main components of the real system: the
autothermal reforming unit, SOFC stack, catalytic
afterburner, anode and cathode heat exchangers, and water
recuperator.
The model can be applied both to steady-state and to
transient operation conditions. By using the model,
development of the control system and optimization of the
operation parameters such as component temperatures, flow
rates, the fuel/air ratio and the steam/fuel ratio of the
stack and the autothermal reformer unit can be carried
out time and cost efficiently. Furthermore, the
investigation of different operational aberrations or
states of emergency, e.g. overload situations or
emergency shutdowns, is made feasible by the model.
The model has been constructed using Advanced Process
Simulation Environment (APROS) software that has been
developed for ca. 20 years at VTT. APROS provides
solution algorithms and model libraries for the dynamic
modelling of flow processes. It is in active use for
example in the combustion power, nuclear power and pulp
and paper industry. The model libraries of APROS have
been validated against real process experiments.
Currently, the APROS software is being implemented for
fuel cell power plant modelling by the preparation of
models for reforming units, catalytic afterburners,
sulphur removal units and SOFC stacks.
The 5 kW stack, delivered by Research Centre Jülich
(FZJ), will be mounted to the test rig in October this
year. After this, the applicability of the model will be
verified by comparisons to measurement data obtained from
test runs using the test rig. The verification will be
performed against data from runs both in steady-state and
in transient conditions.
This work is a part of the national FINSOFC project
coordinated by VTT. The aim of this project is to promote
the know-how and commercial activity in the field of
SOFCs in Finland.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 96 |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
MoE publication type | Not Eligible |
Event | 1st European Fuel Cell Technology and Applications Conference - Rome, Italy Duration: 14 Dec 2005 → 16 Dec 2005 Conference number: 1 |
Conference
Conference | 1st European Fuel Cell Technology and Applications Conference |
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Abbreviated title | EFC |
Country | Italy |
City | Rome |
Period | 14/12/05 → 16/12/05 |
Keywords
- SOFC