Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Connected to Three-Phase Electrical Power System
This example shows a model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) which can be utilized in Specialized Power Systems.
Contents
Description
The system consists of a SOFC which is connected to a three-phase infinite bus through an IGBT inverter. The inverter uses hysteresis switching and controls active power by manipulation of direct-axis current while holding reactive power at 0VAr.
The measurement blocks are rated at 50kW. Therefore, an active power reference of 1pu = 50kW.
Simulation
Start the simulation.
At t = 0s, an active power reference (Pref) of 0.3pu is commanded. Observe that the reference is captured within 0.2s.
At t = 0.4s, Pref = 1pu is commanded. Again, the reference is captured within 0.2s.
Observation of the H2, H20 and O2 pressures shows that the fuel cell does not reach a new equilibrium for the simulation of duration 1 second. Extended simulation periods are required to observe the dynamics of the chemical reaction.
Notes
This model assumes the following:
- The fuel cell gases are ideal
- Only one pressure is defined in the interior of the electrodes
- The fuel cell temperature is invariant
- Nernst's equation applies.
The model is taken from:
Y. Zhu and K. Tomsovic, 'Development of models for analyzing the load-following performance of microturbines and fuel cells', Electric Power Systems Research, 62, 2002, 1-11.
