Experimental and simulated investigation of 1 kW solid oxide fuel cell balance of power system

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2012-09, Vol.214, p.28-32
• Main Authors: Hong, Sung Kook, Dong, Sang Keun, Yang, Je Bok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Afterburners; Applied sciences; Autothermal reformer; Balance of power (BOP); Computer simulation; Design engineering; Devices using thermal energy; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Dummies; Dynamic simulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Heat transfer coefficients; Simulation; Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC); Solid oxide fuel cells; Stacks
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.04.044

A 1 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) balance of power (BOP) system is analyzed using experiments and simulations to optimize the design and operating conditions. The system consists of an autothermal reformer, combined heat exchanger and afterburner, and dummy stack. Thermolib program is used for the simulations. The system exhibits stable operation during a two cycle on/off experiment. The simulated results obtained by zero-dimensional modeling are similar to the experimental results although a discrepancy appears early in operation owing to the simplified modeling. The system's characteristics are also investigated in terms of the fuel utilization, presence or absence of internal reforming and external heat transfer coefficient. ► 1 kW SOFC BOP system is analyzed using experiments and simulations. ► The system consists of an autothermal reformer, combined heat exchanger and afterburner, and dummy stack. ► Dynamic characteristics in the temperature and the composition of working gas were investigated. ► The experimental results confirmed that the SOFC BOP system exhibited stable operation. ► Good agreement was obtained between experimental and simulated results at the steady state.