SOFC Thermal Transients: Modeling by Application of Experimental System Identification Techniques

摘要

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is one of the most promising technologies for future power generation. In order to make this technology marketable, many issues as cost reduction, durability, and operational management have to be overcome. Therefore, the understanding of thermodynamic and electrochemical mechanisms, that govern the SOFC behavior in steady-state and in transient operation, becomes fundamental. In this context, the modeling of fuel cell (FC) thermal transient is of great interest because it can predict the temperature time variation, useful to the dimensioning of auxiliary devices and to avoid unwanted operational states affecting cell durability. In the present study, a 0-D model of SOFC thermal transients was developed by applying system identification techniques, starting from experimental tests carried out on a stack made up of four single cells. Moreover, it was successfully validated in reference to further experimental data. The model allows to evaluate, in term of dynamic response, the effect of the main operating parameters on FC temperature. As further result, some control/regulation considerations useful to limit thermal stresses were proposed.