Digital twin model and dynamic operation for a plant-scale solid oxide fuel cell system

Abstract

Large-scale solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems create operational challenges owing to their size and scale. An SOFC dynamic digital twin model can help users understand the system status and determine the operating action. In this study, a dynamic digital twin of a 25 kW SOFC plant was presented as a simulator to help operators safely and stably determine the operating conditions for a real commercial SOFC plant. In the scale-up process, the data from the 1 kW SOFC pilot plant were used to analyze the reliability and electrode parameters and develop a digital twin model that matches actual conditions at the plant. The scale-up digital twin model is applied to a 25 kW SOFC system, in which the SOFC is connected with upstream reformers, downstream burners, and multiple heat exchangers. The 25 kW SOFC digital twin model was validated by steady-state data and applied to on-site operation prediction with very high accuracy. The digital twin was used as an operating reference in the field, and the results showed that it could effectively help operators determine operation strategies using simulations to safely and stably execute the process.