Utilization of fuel cell energy source for distribution power generation: theory, modeling and review of research work

Abstract

The energy crisis is one of the most critical phenomena happening in today's world. The depletion of fossil fuels, the rise in oil prices, and the increase in power demand are the main causes of this problem. Concern over environmental conditions and human health make renewable energy one of the most viable alternative solutions to this crisis. Among various types of renewable energy, fuel cell technology shows a great potential in the electrical energy sector for several reasons, such as high efficiency, clean operation, and immunity to the adverse effects of weather conditions. Recent works prove that fuel cell technology is expected to be a better choice for distributed generation purposes. Distributed generation, which is installed near load centers, can moderate the stress of high electricity demand in the mainstream utility grid. This paper presents an overview of fuel cell technology, with emphasis on fuel cell types, characteristics, and applications. The differences among the various fuel cell types and the dynamic models of each type required for simulation are also discussed. Focus is given to the application of fuel cells in a distributed generation system, the requirements of a fuel cell-based generating system, and issues in distributed generation integration. The present study also discusses the power conditioning unit, which is an important component in the fuel cell-based generating system, as well as its control strategy. Discussion is likewise made on the use of suitable energy storage units for the fuel cell distributed generation system, with regard to battery types and storage control. By adding energy storage units to the fuel cell system, the capabilities of the existing generation system can improve system stability performance. Streszczenie. W artykule zaprezentowano przegląd technologii wytwarzania energii z wykorzystaniem ogniw paliwowych koncentrując sie na analizie roznych typow i ich zastosowan. Szczegolną uwage zwrocono na zastosowanie ogniw paliwowych w rozproszonych systemach wytwarzania energii. Analizowano tez uklad kondycjonowania energii oraz jego sterowanie. Wykorzystanie ogniw paliwowych w rozproszonych systemach wytwarzania energii elektrycznej - teoria, modelowanie i przegląd prac badawczych