Research on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System Model Building and 3D Testing Based on the Nodal Idea

Abstract

The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system is a highly intricate system characterized by multiple variables and couplings. Developing an accurate model for the SOFC independent power generation system is of paramount importance. Conducting experimental studies on the SOFC system is costly, and it carries certain risks due to the requirements for pure hydrogen, high-temperature environments, and other factors. To address these challenges, a high-performing model that precisely reflects the inherent characteristics of the SOFC is essential for dynamic static analysis and the identification of optimal operating points. This paper presents a SOFC system model based on current controls, which was implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, and it utilized a nodal approach for modeling. The model incorporated a cold air bypass, which enabled the more precise control of the SOFC reactor’s inlet and outlet temperatures. Furthermore, a 3D test and verification method are proposed in order to focus on the influence of input parameters on the four electrical characteristics, and four thermal characteristics, of output parameters. By conducting one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional studies of these output parameters, a more intuitive understanding of the system’s response to changes in input parameters was obtained. Under conditions wherein all other variables were kept constant, the entire system attained its maximum efficiency at approximately FU = 0.8, BP = 0, and AR = 6. The outcomes of this study have significant implications for exploring the optimal operating point in the SOFC independent power generation system in an in-depth manner. It provides valuable insights for enhancing the system’s efficiency and performance.