Cell Hybrid System Research Articles

Novel self-pressurized ammonia-powered solid oxide fuel cell hybrid system using anode recirculation with water removal for improving high-altitude performance: Feasibility exploration

Novel self-pressurized ammonia-powered solid oxide fuel cell hybrid system using anode recirculation with water removal for improving high-altitude performance: Feasibility exploration

A novel multi-stack fuel cell hybrid system energy management strategy for improving the fuel cell durability of the hydrogen electric Multiple Units

ABSTRACT To improve the fuel cell durability of the hydrogen Electric Multiple Units, this paper proposes a novel multi-stack fuel cell hybrid system energy management strategy in consideration of fuel cell degradation. The top layer of the method distributes the power of fuel cells and lithium batteries reasonably according to the Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy, and adjusts the fuel cell power through the feedback power regulation module. The bottom layer distributes the power of different stacks according to the degradation degree. The proposed layering method improves the durability of fuel cells by reducing the fuel cell degradation degree. The hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments results show that, compared with the traditional equivalent hydrogen consumption minimum energy management strategy, the proposed method is effective in lowering the degradation degree and operating pressure of the fuel cell by 25.77% and 35.73% respectively.

Dual-adaptive energy management strategy design for fast start-up and thermal balance control of multi-stack solid oxide fuel cell combined heat and power system

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid system offers several advantages, including rapid start-up, effectively mitigating thermal stress and system stability. In this study, a multi-stack SOFC battery hybrid (SBH) Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system is designed. A dual-adaptive control strategy for this multi-stack system is proposed. The assembly of each power generation module (PGM) in parallel is implemented and the reliability of the system is verified. The dynamic characteristics of the multi-stack SBH-CHP system and the effect of temperature on the system are investigated. The results show that the multi-stack system can achieve stability within 80 s. The transient current observed in the system reaches up to 40 A, which accounts for at least 25% of the current generated by the SOFC. The system exhibits robust and prompt dynamic response characteristics, which ultimately contribute to an extended operational lifespan. The proposed adaptive control method and adaptive energy management strategy have been proven to be effective approaches for addressing the issues associated with rapid start-up and over-temperature within the multi-stack SBH-CHP system.

(Invited) Reach for the Sky: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems Enable Carbon-Neutral Flight in ARPA-E’s REEACH Program

The carbon-neutral economy of 2050 may rely on several sustainable fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, and renewable hydrocarbons. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) deliver value for each candidate carbon-neutral fuel thanks to their inherent fuel flexibility and high efficiency. This talk examines the additional benefits that can be realized in hybrid systems comprised of an SOFC with an engine bottoming cycle. Developments in ARPA-E’s REEACH program involving SOFC-turbogenerator hybrids for electrified flight will be discussed. The interplays between design and operation of system components can significantly impact the energy storage and power generation (ESPG) system metrics. Modeling work has been performed to inform hybrid system design and will be presented. Finally, next steps for hybrid system deployment at commercial scale will be discussed.

Hierarchical Structuration in Protocellular System.

Spatial control is one of the ubiquitous features in biological systems and the key to the functional complexity of living cells. The strategies to achieve such precise spatial control in protocellular systems are crucial to constructing complex artificial living systems with functional collective behavior. Herein, the authors review recent advances in the spatial control within a single protocell or between different protocells and discuss how such hierarchical structured protocellular system can be used to understand complex living systems or to advance the development of functional microreactors with the programmable release of various biomacromolecular payloads, or smart protocell-biological cell hybrid system.

Evaluation and multi-objective salp swarm optimization of a new solid oxide fuel cell hybrid system integrated with an alkali metal thermal electric converter/absorption power cycle

This research introduces a new combination of an alkali metal thermal electric converter (AMTEC) and an absorption power cycle (APC) to boost the performance of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) by recovering the high-quality heat released from the SOFC for further electricity production. The performance criteria of the proposed SOFC/AMTEC/APC hybrid system are mathematically derived using thermodynamic, exergoeconomic, and exergoenvironment-based carbon footprint analysis. Extensive parametric assessment is carried out to evaluate the effect of substantial design parameters on the system's performance criteria. Furthermore, the multi-objective salp swarm algorithm (MSSA) with decision-making techniques is performed to ascertain the hybrid system's maximum power density and minimum cost and environmental impact rates densities. Findings depict the effectiveness and merit of the proposed system with 81% power density improvement compared with the related SOFC-based system. Moreover, the system yields the maximum power density of 9589.37 W/m2, and the corresponding energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained by 55.2% and 57.74%, indicating 59.26% and 53.76% improvements relative to the single SOFC. Furthermore, the minimum cost and CO2 emission rate densities are achieved by 4.26 $/h m2 and 3.32 kgCO2/h m2, respectively, with 31.73% and 42.3% enhancements relative to the base point.

Research on Energy Management for Ship Hybrid Power System Based on Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy

This paper analyzes a hybrid power system containing a fuel cell (FC) and proposes an improved scheme involving the replacement of a single energy storage system with a hybrid energy storage system. In order to achieve a reasonable power distribution between fuel cells and energy storage units and stable operation of the power grid, an efficient energy management system (EMS) based on the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) is proposed. To enhance the dynamic response capability of hybrid energy storage systems, a low-pass filter with a variable time constant based on the ultracapacitor SOC feedback is proposed. This paper describes the design of a fuzzy logic controller that adaptively improves the equivalent consumption minimization control strategy, adjusts the equivalent factor in real time, optimizes the operating points of the fuel cell system, and improves system efficiency. The simulation model of the fuel cell hybrid system was established using MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (A-ECMS) was simulated and compared to the state-based and fuzzy logic energy management systems under the simulation of the real operating conditions of the ship. The results show that the proposed strategy can maintain a fuel cell system efficiency above 60% under most operating conditions and can significantly suppress the fluctuation of a fuel cell’s output power. The proposed strategy outperforms the state-based and fuzzy logic-based EMS in terms of stabilizing the hybrid power system and reducing hydrogen consumption. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy has been verified.

An Energy Management Strategy Considering the Economy and Lifetime of Multistack Fuel Cell Hybrid System

Due to technical limitations, it is difficult for single stack fuel cell (FC) system to be applied in high-power applications. Therefore, multi-stack FC hybrid system (MS-FCHS) is attracting more and more attention. In order to improve the system economy, this work proposes a real-time energy management strategy (EMS) that minimizes system operating cost. Specifically, the proposed strategy considers not only fuel cost but also FC and battery degradation cost. Secondly, during the operation of MS-FCHS, the performance of each stack varies with operating conditions and time, this work also considers the impact of inconsistent FC performance on the system lifetime. Finally, compared with the power following strategy (PF) and the hydrogen consumption minimizing strategy (H2-minimization), RT-LAB experimental results show that the proposed strategy can reduce the system operating cost by 15.85% and 9.75%, and improve system efficiency. In addition, since the system life depends on the stack with the worst service performance, the proposed strategy can also realize the convergent control of the system performance when the stacks operate in parallel, prolong the life of the system, and maintain battery state of charge (SOC) within a certain range, which is conducive to the stable operation of the system.

System analysis of a protonic ceramic fuel cell and gas turbine hybrid system with methanol reformer

The performance of a methanol-fed protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC)/gas turbine (GT) hybrid system is investigated in this work. To build the system, Thermolib software is employed with input parameters obtained from references. Effects of air stoichiometry on system performance are analyzed. Results show that, as air stoichiometry is increased, the reformer temperature and CO concentration decrease, while H2 concentration increases. High air stoichiometry decreases PCFC temperature and performance. GT output power increases with increasing air flow. But, the power consumption by compressor also increases. Overall, to achieve higher system efficiency for this hybrid system, the optimum values of air stoichiometry are from 2.7 to 2.9. An additional heat recovery steam generator can also improve the overall system efficiency from 66.5% to 71.7%. This work helps in understanding the modeling and optimum functioning parameters of high power generation systems.

Investigation of the Use of Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems for Different Purposes

Investigation of the Use of Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems for Different Purposes

A Power Control Scheme for a Wind Turbine/Fuel Cell Hybrid Power System with DFIG-DC Link Topology

This study discusses performance of the power control strategy for a Wind Turbine/Fuel Cell Hybrid System with a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)-Direct Current (DC) link configuration. To overcome high cost and the complex structure of the previous paper, a new DFIG-DC link configuration is proposed that uses a single Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) and a diode rectifier to connect the stator and rotor to the DC-link, respectively. Also, the DFIG-DC system is modeled and a Stator Field-Oriented Control (SFOC) is adopted to control the VSI to extract the maximum power generated by the wind turbine. The model and the control of the DC-DC boost converter used to connect the hydrogen fuel cell to the DC-link are established. To achieve better performance of the proposed DFIG-DC system, the power control strategy has been tested by using the dSpace DS1104 processor board and the experimental results show the performance of the control strategy in terms of parameters regulation under a different scenario.

Real-Time Integrated Energy Management Strategy Applied to Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems

Integrating hydrogen fuel cell systems (FCS) remains challenging in the expanding electric vehicle market. One of the levers to meet this challenge is the relevance of energy supervisors. This paper proposes an innovative energy management strategy (EMS) based on the integrated EMS (iEMS) concept. It uses a nested approach combining the best of the three EMS categories (optimization-based (OBS), rules-based (RBS), and learning-based (LBS) strategies) to overcome the real-time operating condition limitations of the fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle (FCHEV). Through a fuel cell/battery hybrid architecture, the purpose is to improve hydrogen consumption and manage the battery state of charge (SOC) under real-time driving conditions. The proposed iEMS approach is based on an OBS with optimal control to make the energy-optimal decision. However, it requires the adaptations of real-time operating conditions and a dynamic SOC horizon management. These requirements are supported by combining an RBS based on expert and fuzzy rules to compute the SOC target on each sliding window and an LBS based on fuzzy C-mean clustering to enhance the cooperative environment data processing and adapt it to the FHCEV topology. Our approach obtained simple and realistic system behaviors while having an acceptable computing time suitable for real time constraint. It was then designed and validated using a 27-h real-time measured database. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed iEMS concept with an excellent performance close to the optimal offline strategy (an under 2% consumption gap).

Proposal of Zero-Emission Tug in South Korea Using Fuel Cell/Energy Storage System: Economic and Environmental Long-Term Impacts

This study presents the results of economic and environmental analysis for two types of zero-emission ships (ZESs) that are receiving more attention to meet strengthened environmental regulations. One of the two types of ZES is the ZES using only the energy storage system (All-ESS), and the other is the ZES with fuel cell and ESS hybrid system (FC–ESS). The target ship is a tug operating in South Korea, and the main parameters are based on the specific circumstances of South Korea. The optimal capacity of the ESS for each proposed system is determined using an optimization tool. The total cost for a ship’s lifetime is calculated using economic analysis. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emission for the fuel’s lifecycle (well-to-wake) is calculated using environmental analysis. The results reveal that the proposed ZESs are 1.7–3.4 times more expensive than the conventional marine gas oil (MGO)-fueled ship; however, it could be reduced by 1.3–2.4 times if the carbon price is considered. The proposed ZESs have 58.7–74.3% lower lifecycle GHG emissions than the one from the conventional ship. The results also highlight that the electricity- or hydrogen-based ZESs should reduce GHG emissions from the upstream phase (well-to-tank) to realize genuine ZESs.

Environmental and economic analyses of fuel cell and battery-based hybrid systems utilized as auxiliary power units on a chemical tanker vessel

This study aims to investigate the environmental and economic impacts of implementing fuel cell and battery-based hybrid configurations. Phosphoric acid and molten carbonate fuel cell systems in the place of diesel generators of a large tanker to supply the vessel's total electricity demand. Environmental and economic analyses of the utilization of the specified fuel cell systems with LiNiCoALO2 and LiNiMnCoO2 chemical types of battery cells on a large marine vessel are provided in this paper. In addition, the assessment of the most suitable battery cell and charge-discharge hours for fuel cell systems is carried out with a grid-search algorithm. Six different fuel cell and battery configurations are investigated to obtain the optimum system layout. The results show that the CO2 emissions could be reduced by up to 49.75% and the lowest electricity production cost is found as 0.181 $/kWh for the current fuel prices with the utilization of molten carbonate fuel cells and LiNiMnCoO2 battery cells.

Thermodynamic design and analysis of SOFC/PEMFC hybrid systems with cascade effects: A perspective on complete carbon dioxide capture and high efficiency

To capture as much carbon dioxide as possible while minimizing the performance degradation, this study proposes two solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)/polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) hybrid systems. One is a hybrid system in which the PEMFC not only generates power, but also performs the role of CC (hybrid system 1). The other is a hybrid system in which pressure swing adaption (PSA) is incorporated to capture carbon dioxide, and consumption of hydrogen in the PEMFC is maximized (hybrid system 2). In addition, an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) was added to further improve the performance of the hybrid systems by utilizing the waste heat of exhaust gas. The cascade effects between SOFC and PEMFC contribute to achieving nearly complete CC and high efficiency. Especially, hybrid system 2 achieved 10% and 5%p improvements over the stand-alone SOFC system in net power and efficiency. It is promising in that the proposed systems utilizing cascade effects can achieve nearly zero carbon emission and high efficiency despite the use of natural gas without hydrogen supply. In other words, the proposed systems are expected to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality without waiting for the technological maturation associated with hydrogen.

Investigation of the use of fuel cell hybrid systems for different purposes

Investigation of the use of fuel cell hybrid systems for different purposes

Analyzing of hydel, wind and fuel cell hybrid system for rural electrification with reduced cost of energy

In this work, a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) is proposed to electrify remote areas. Hydroelectric and wind energy potential are exploited, and they could be converted into chemical energy and stored in hydrogen fuel cells. By this technique, carbon emissions is substantially reduced and helps to control climate change and global warming. In this proposed work, surplus amount of electrical power is diverted to the production of hydrogen through electrolysis, the stored hydrogen can be used as a energy reserve which could be utilized based on requirement. The hydrogen fuel cell acts as a backup to the grid. A simulation study was carried out using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. The simulation study reveals that the Cost of Energy has been significantly reduced.

Risk Mitigation & Profit Improvement of a Wind-Fuel Cell Hybrid System With TCSC Placement

The incorporation of renewable energy into the existing electrical system is vital in a competitive electrical system. The unpredictable nature of renewable sources is the main obstacle to energy source integration. Since wind energy is unpredictable, integrating it into an existing thermal system requires some additional operating procedures to maintain the economic and functioning sustainability of the system. In a competitive power network, renewable energy uncertainty creates an imbalance cost (IC) which directly affects the system economy. This study investigates system generation costs, voltage profiles, and electric losses in a deregulated power market incorporating wind farms (WF) & fuel cells (FC). The fuel cell has been used here as a reserve generating unit to mitigate the deficit of power in the renewable incorporated system. To check the efficacy of the presented method, two locations in India are chosen at random. To assess the imbalance cost caused by the discrepancy between forecasted (FWS) and actual wind speeds (AWS), several charge rates (i.e. surplus and deficit) were established. The electrical system has been restructured, so consumers are continually looking for efficient and stable economic power which is only possible by reducing the system risk. This paper outlines a strategy for the optimal operation of a Thyristor-Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) and fuel cell in a wind-integrated system to maximize system profit and minimize the system risk. In this work, different algorithms like Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP), Artificial Bee Colony Algorithms (ABC), and Moth Flame Optimization Algorithms (MFO) are used to analyze the economic and functional risk of the system. Additionally, it explains how the fuel cell system is employed to offset the wind farm integration’s deviation in the real-time power market. Value-at-Risk (VaR) and conditional Value-at-Risk (cVaR) have been used for risk analysis. A modified IEEE 14-bus test system is considered to validate the entire study whereas any small, large as well as hybrid systems can be considered to perform this methodology.

Concept of a solid oxide electrolysis-molten carbonate fuel cell hybrid system to support a power-to-gas installation

This study outlines a concept for improving a power-to-gas (P2G) system through the implementation of highly efficient high-temperature electrolysis combined with a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) as a CO2 capture unit for a power plant. Laboratory scale experiments demonstrate that the MCFC could be used for CO2 separation, opening the way to capture of CO2 from flue gases at coal-fired power stations, while maintaining both high electric efficiency and a high CO2 separation factor. Improved energy efficiency can be achieved by the lower electricity requirement of high temperature electrolysis compared to other technologies. Results obtained from experimental investigations show that a CO2 separation rate in excess of 90 % is achievable through adjusting the cathode inlet flow. It should be noted that flue gas must be mixed with air before delivery to the MCFC. Controlled flow of inlet gases to the anode can raise electric efficiency to above 35 % for both laboratory-size and full-scale MCFC. The benefits of the concept are manifested by lower power consumption of the system and no energy penalty for the CO2 capture process. Additionally, the system enjoys good thermal management because all devices run at elevated temperatures (Sabatier reactor at 300 °C, MCFC at 650 °C, solid oxide electrolyzer at 700–800 °C). The proposed improvements increase the system's competitiveness relative to alternative P2G systems and reduce the price of substitute natural gas. Secondly, it will eliminate the consumption of heat from the host coal-fired power plant. Thirdly, the entire system will be more straightforward, compact, and modular, allowing any future scale-up to be implemented without technological difficulties. Finally, the amount of energy required to produce hydrogen will decline by around 25 %.

Investigation of a fuel cell hybrid system with a new modular test bench approach for all electric hybrid power train systems

In order to reduce the impact of aviation on climate, new technologies like fuel cell and battery hybrids are needed. To develop a hybrid electric aircraft, a flexible and adaptable laboratory test setup of the power train is a cost- and time-effective solution. Replacing the fuel cell and battery with DC sources simplifies the setup, but the characteristics of the fuel cell and the battery must be reproduced. This study presents a test setup for direct hybrid electric power trains with an emulated fuel cell and battery. Two DC (Direct Current) sources are controlled with the help of a database to mirror the behavior of the fuel cell and battery. The setup allows the investigation of the drive train behavior of a direct hybrid consisting of a variety of fuel cells and batteries. The hybrid behavior for different battery state of charge as well as different battery sizes are examined their the influence on the voltage variation within the system is analyzed. The more the fuel cell contributes to the hybrid power, the greater the voltage difference within the entire system. A higher power contribution from the battery reduces the system voltage variation at high power. At a rated power of 5kW, the voltage variation is lowered by 37.2% when the fuel cell share is reduced from 90% to 50%. A lower state of charge of the battery increases the voltage variation.