The only book available on fuel cell modeling and control with distributed power generation applications The emerging fuel cell (FC) technology is growing rapidly in its applications from small-scale portable electronics to large-scale power generation. This book gives students, engineers, and scientists a solid understanding of the FC dynamic modeling and controller design to adapt FCs to particular applications in distributed power generation. The book begins with a fascinating introduction to the subject, including a brief history of the U.S. electric utility formation and restructuring. Next, it provides coverage of power deregulation and distributed generation (DG), DG types, fuel cell DGs, and the hydrogen economy. Building on that foundation, it covers: Principle operations of fuel cells Dynamic modeling and simulation of PEM and solid-oxide fuel cells Principle operations and modeling of electrolyzers Power electronic interfacing circuits for fuel cell applications Control of grid-connected and stand-alone fuel cell power generation systems Hybrid fuel cell–based energy system case studies Present challenges and the future of fuel cells MATLAB/SIMULINK-based models and their applications are available via a companion Web site. Modeling and Control of Fuel Cells is an excellent reference book for students and professionals in electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering and scientists working in the FC area.

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that oxidize fuel without combustion to convert directly the fuel's chemical energy into electricity. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is distinguished from other fuel cell types by its all solid state structure and its high operating temperature (1,000 C). The Westinghouse tubular SOFC stack is process air cooled and has integrated thermally and hydraulically within its structure a natural gas reformer that requires no fuel combustion and no externally supplied water. In addition, since the SOFC stack delivers high temperature exhaust gas and can be operated at elevated pressure, it can supplant the combustor in a gas turbine generator set yielding a dry (no steam) combined cycle power system of unprecedented electrical generation efficiency (greater 70% ac/LHV). Most remarkably, analysis indicates that efficiencies of 60 percent can be achieved at power plant capacities as low as 250 kWe, and that the 70 percent efficiency level should be achievable at the two MW capacity level. This paper describes the individual SOFC, the stack, and the power generation system and its suitability for distributed generation.

High Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Fundamentals, Design and Applications provides a comprehensive discussion of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs are the most efficient devices for the electrochemical conversion of chemical energy of hydrocarbon fuels into electricity, and have been gaining increasing attention for clean and efficient distributed power generation. The book explains the operating principle, cell component materials, cell and stack designs and fabrication processes, cell and stack performance, and applications of SOFCs. Individual chapters are written by internationally renowned authors in their respective fields, and the text is supplemented by a large number of references for further information. The book is primarily intended for use by researchers, engineers, and other technical people working in the field of SOFCs. Even though the technology is advancing at a very rapid pace, the information contained in most of the chapters is fundamental enough for the book to be useful even as a text for SOFC technology at the graduate level.

Design and Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: The Systems Engineering Vision for Industrial Application presents a comprehensive, critical and accessible review of the latest research in the field of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). As well as discussing the theoretical aspects of the field, the book explores a diverse range of power applications, such as hybrid power plants, polygeneration, distributed electricity generation, energy storage and waste management—all with a focus on modeling and computational skills. Dr. Sharifzadeh presents the associated risks and limitations throughout the discussion, providing a very complete and thorough analysis of SOFCs and their control and operation in power plants. The first of its kind, this book will be of particular interest to energy engineers, industry experts and academic researchers in the energy, power and transportation industries, as well as those working and researching in the chemical, environmental and material sectors. - Closes the gap between various power engineering disciples by considering a diverse variety of applications and sectors - Presents and reviews a variety of modeling techniques and considers regulations throughout - Includes CFD modeling examples and process simulation and optimization programming guidance

High temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is a promising power generation option that features high electrical efficiency and low emissions of environmentally polluting gases such as CO2, NOox and SOx. It is ideal for distributed stationary power generation applications where both high-efficiency electricity and high-quality heat are in strong demand. For the past few decades, SOFC technology has attracted intense worldwide R&D effort and, along with polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, has undergone extensive commercialization development.This book presents a systematic and in-depth narrative of the technology from the perspective of fundamentals, providing comprehensive theoretical analysis and innovative characterization techniques for SOFC technology. The book initially deals with the basics and development of SOFC technology from cell materials to fundamental thermodynamics, electronic properties of solids and charged particle transport. This coverage is extended with a thorough analysis of such operational features as current flow and energy balance, and on to voltage losses and electrical efficiency. Furthermore, the book also covers the important issues of fuel cell stability and durability with chapters on performance characterization, fuel processing, and electrode poisoning. Finally, the book provides a comprehensive review for SOFC materials and fabrication techniques. A series of useful scientific appendices rounds off the book.Solid oxide fuel cell technology is a standard reference for all those researching this important field as well as those working in the power industry. - Provides a comprehensive review of solid oxide fuel cells from history and design to chemistry and materials development - Presents analysis of operational features including current flow, energy balance, voltage losses and electrical efficiency - Explores fuel cell stability and durability with specific chapters examining performance characterization, fuel processing and electrode poisoning

In the view of many power experts, distributed power generation represents the paradigm of the future. Distributed Power Generation: Planning and Evaluation explores the preparation and analysis of distributed generators (DGs) for residential, commercial and industrial, as well as electric utility applications. It examines distributed generation versus traditional, centralized power systems, power demands, reliability evaluation, planning processes, costs, reciprocating piston engine DGs, gas turbine powered DGs, fuel cell powered DGs, renewable resource DGs, and more. The authors include recommendations and guidelines for DG planners, and numerous case studies illustrate the discussions.

This report summarizes the work performed by Hybrid Power Generation Systems, LLC (HPGS) during the April to October 2004 reporting period in Task 2.3 (SOFC Scaleup for Hybrid and Fuel Cell Systems) under Cooperative Agreement DE-FC26-01NT40779 for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL), entitled ''Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid System for Distributed Power Generation''. This study analyzes the performance and economics of power generation systems for central power generation application based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology and fueled by natural gas. The main objective of this task is to develop credible scale up strategies for large solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine systems. System concepts that integrate a SOFC with a gas turbine were developed and analyzed for plant sizes in excess of 20 MW. A 25 MW plant configuration was selected with projected system efficiency of over 65% and a factory cost of under $400/kW. The plant design is modular and can be scaled to both higher and lower plant power ratings. Technology gaps and required engineering development efforts were identified and evaluated.

Fuel cell power systems are emerging power generation technologies for the efficient, economical and environmentally acceptable production of electricity. In some applications the by-product heat can also be efficiently used in cogeneration. Fuel cells produce electricity through the electrochemical oxidation of a fuel. They can be operated on a variety of fuels, including natural gas, coal gas, land fill gas and renewable fuels. First market entry units are fueled by natural gas. Fuel cells offer the opportunity for a major new manufacturing industry. System studies have shown that fuel cell power plants can be designed with overall system efficiencies in the 50 to 60 percent range (higher heating value basis) (55 to 65 percent on lower heating value basis). Fuel cell power plants are unique in that they offer high efficiency and low emissions even at part-load and in small sizes. Because of their efficiency, fuel cells will help in reducing CO2 emissions. Additional benefits are the environmentally desirable operating characteristics offered by fuel cells. Because electricity is produced through an electrochemical reaction rather than by combustion, fuel cells generate very little NOx and are extremely quiet. This combination of operating characteristics and high efficiency make fuel cells attractive for future electric utility applications. On-site industrial and commercial applications where the by-product heat can be utilized are also attractive. The DOE Office of Fossil Energy, the Gas Research Institute (GRI), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are cooperatively sponsoring the development of fuel cell systems for applications in the utility, commercial and industrial sectors. Funding of development and demonstration is also provided by fuel cell developers and potential users. This document describes the fuel cell program of the DOE Office of Fossil Energy and its coordination with other fuel cell activities.

This report summarizes the work performed by Hybrid Power Generation Systems, LLC during the January 2003 to June 2003 reporting period under Cooperative Agreement DE-FC26-01NT40779 for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL) entitled ''Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid System for Distributed Power Generation''. The main objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a highly efficient hybrid system integrating a planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and a micro-turbine. In addition, an activity included in this program focuses on the development of an integrated coal gasification fuel cell system concept based on planar SOFC technology. This report summarizes the results obtained to date on: System performance analysis and model optimization; Reliability and cost model development; System control including dynamic model development; Heat exchanger material tests and life analysis; Pressurized SOFC evaluation; and Pre-baseline system definition for coal gasification fuel cell system concept.