An evolutionary computation approach to predicting output voltage from fuel utilization in SOFC stacks

Abstract Zero-dimensional two-stage SOFC stacks dynamic model was developed to investigate the effect of operating parameters on stacks performance. The model resolves spatially thermal and thermo-electrochemical behaviour for electrochemical reactions, Catalytic Partial Oxidation and Steam Reforming processes. Design variables and thermo-electrochemical properties were obtained from in-house-fabricated SOFCs carried out by project partners. The completed SOFCs based Combined Heat and Power, CHP, system model was validated by data18 and numerical results obtained at steady-state mode showing its high-fidelity. A parametric study with respect to key operating parameters including changes in fuel utilization, lambda number and current density values was conducted. The global CHP system dynamic response, in term of the current/voltage delivered by two-stage SOFC stacks, under a fixed fuel utilization, has been determined resulting in greater variations in the voltage of a single cell in the first stack in comparison to the corresponding values in the second stack.

Download Full-text

Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm-Based Optimization of PID Controller Parameters for Fuel Cell Voltage and Fuel Utilization

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11123290 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3290 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuxiao Qin ◽

Guodong Zhao ◽

Qingsong Hua ◽

Li Sun ◽

Soumyadeep Nag

Keyword(s):

Genetic Algorithm ◽

Pid Controller ◽

Output Voltage ◽

Controller Design ◽

Least Squares Method ◽

Cell Voltage ◽

Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽

High Energy ◽

Fuel Utilization ◽

The Impact

Nowadays, given the great deal of fossil fuel consumption and associated environmental pollution, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have shown their great merits in terms of high energy conversion efficiency and low emissions as a stationary power source. To ensure power quality and efficiency, both the output voltage and fuel utilization of an SOFC should be tightly controlled. However, these two control objectives usually conflict with each other, making the controller design of an SOFC quite challenging and sophisticated. To this end, a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was employed to tune the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller parameters through the following steps: (1) Identifying the SOFC system through a least squares method; (2) designing the control based on a relative gain array (RGA) analysis; and (3) applying the MOGA to a simulation to search for a set of optimal solutions. By comparing the control performance of the Pareto solutions, satisfactory control parameters were determined. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method could reduce the impact of disturbances and regulate output voltage and fuel utilization simultaneously (with strong robustness).

Download Full-text

Numerical analysis of a serial connection of two staged SOFC stacks in a CHP system fed by methane using Aspen TECH

Polish Journal of Chemical Technology ◽

10.2478/pjct-2019-0007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 33-43

Author(s):

Paulina Pianko-Oprych ◽

Mateusz Palus

Keyword(s):

Electrical Performance ◽

Fuel Utilization ◽

Optimal Control Strategy ◽

Two Stage ◽

Performance Simulation ◽

Serial Connection ◽

Funded Project ◽

Chp System ◽

Sofc Stacks ◽

Good Agreement

Abstract The objective of the study was to develop a steady-state system model in Aspen TECH using user-defined subroutines to predict the SOFC electrochemical performance. In order to achieve high overall fuel utilization and thus high electrical efficiency, a concept of Combined Heat and Power system with two-stage SOFC stacks of different number of cells was analyzed. The concept of two-stage SOFC stacks based system was developed in the framework of the FP7 EU-funded project STAGE-SOFC. The model was validated against data gathered during the operation of the proof-of-concept showing good agreement with the comparative simulation data. Following model validation, further simulations were performed for different values of fuel utilization to analyze its influence on system electrical performance. Simulation results showed that the concept of two-stage SOFC stacks configuration was viable and reliable. The model can be useful for development the optimal control strategy for system under safe conditions.

Download Full-text

A mathematical model of two-stage Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, SOFC, stacks for dynamic simulation of Combined Heat and Power system fed by natural gas

Polish Journal of Chemical Technology ◽

10.2478/pjct-2021-0010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Mateusz Palus ◽

Paulina Pianko-Oprych

Keyword(s):

Electrochemical Behaviour ◽

Combined Heat And Power ◽

Operating Parameters ◽

Fuel Utilization ◽

Steady State Mode ◽

Two Stage ◽

Design Variables ◽

Density Values ◽

Chp System ◽

Sofc Stacks

Abstract Zero-dimensional two-stage SOFC stacks dynamic model was developed to investigate the effect of operating parameters on stacks performance. The model resolves spatially thermal and thermo-electrochemical behaviour for electrochemical reactions, Catalytic Partial Oxidation and Steam Reforming processes. Design variables and thermo-electrochemical properties were obtained from in-house-fabricated SOFCs carried out by project partners. The completed SOFCs based Combined Heat and Power, CHP, system model was validated by data18 and numerical results obtained at steady-state mode showing its high-fidelity. A parametric study with respect to key operating parameters including changes in fuel utilization, lambda number and current density values was conducted. The global CHP system dynamic response, in term of the current/voltage delivered by two-stage SOFC stacks, under a fixed fuel utilization, has been determined resulting in greater variations in the voltage of a single cell in the first stack in comparison to the corresponding values in the second stack.

Download Full-text