Development of a Dynamic Model for Diagnosis and Control of an Integrated Stack Module Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Power generation systems based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems (SOFC) are one of the most promising technology in renewable (or more efficient) energy generation thanks to low emissions, high performance, modularity and noiseless. This work aims at developing a dynamic model of an integrated system module called Diamond-A using solid oxide fuel cells. The model allows simulating the behavior of a non-conventional micro-CHP system, starting from operating variables, like temperatures or molar flows of chemical species taking part into the reactions. A lumped model approach is used to reach a good compromise between accuracy and computational time (necessary for on-board applications). Starting from detailed technical data and the system layout, the model solves a set of balance equations considering both energy flows and chemical reactions taking part in each component of the module. In the Diamond-A, the thermal exchanges among components are evaluated assuming the outlet temperature from each component as state variable. Pipes thermal losses are neglected. The entire model is generic and can be suitably applied for different layouts through the characterization of configuration model parameters. The capability of the model has been evaluated, simulating a non-conventional micro-CHP system, named HoTboxTM, under nominal operating conditions. Results are in agreement with experimental data provided in the frame of the EU project Diamond.