Abstract
A detailed dynamic model incorporating geometric resolution of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) with dynamic simulation of physical and electrochemical processes in the stream-wise direction is presented. The model was developed using mass and momentum conservation, electrochemical and chemical reaction mechanisms, and heat-transfer. Results from the model are compared with data from an experimental MCFC unit. Furthermore, the model was applied to predict dynamic variations of voltage, current and temperature in an MCFC as it responds to varying load demands. The voltage was evaluated using two different approaches: one applying a model developed by Yuh and Selman [C.Y. Yuh, J.R. Selman, The polarization of molten carbonate fuel cell electrodes: I. Analysis of steady-state polarization data, J. Electrochem. Soc. 138 (1991) 3642–3648; C.Y. Yuh, J.R. Selman, The polarization of molten carbonate fuel cell electrodes: II. Characterization by AC impedance and response to current interruption, J. Electrochem. Soc. 138 (1991) 3649–3655] and another applying simplified equations using average local temperatures and pressures. The results show that both models can be used to predict voltage and dynamic response characteristics of an MCFC and the model that uses the more detailed Yuh and Selman approach can predict those accurately and consistently for a variety of operating conditions.
Highlights
Introduction and backgroundThe development of energy systems with readily available fuels, high efficiency and minimal environmental impact are required in order to meet increasing energy demands and to respond to environmental concerns
Even the overall cell performance depends upon local conditions and properties that cannot be accurately captured without some spatial resolution of the mass and heat transfer, chemical and electrochemical reactions as they vary widely throughout the cell or stack volume
Understanding of fuel cell performance can be obtained by experimental measurements and/or theoretical modeling
Summary
The development of energy systems with readily available fuels, high efficiency and minimal environmental impact are required in order to meet increasing energy demands and to respond to environmental concerns. Fuel cell-based power plants convert the chemical energy in a fuel directly to electricity without the need to first convert chemical energy into heat. This results in high efficiency and low pollutant emissions in comparison to traditional fossil fuel-based energy conversion devices. Among the various fuel cell types, the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is a very promising technology, which is commercially available. Molten carbonate fuel cell power plants of 250 kW, 1.5 MW, and 3.0 MW are currently commercially available [5]
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