Integrated gasification fuel cell (IGFC) systems that combine coal gasification and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are promising for highly efficient and environmentally friendly utilization of coal for power production. In this work, a dimensional finite volume model for planar SOFC has been developed for IGFC system design and analysis. The model can simulate SOFC overall performance and detailed internal profiles of species mole fractions, temperature, current density, and electrochemical losses. The model is capable of supporting recent SOFC improvements, including anode-supported design, the use of metallic interconnects, and reduced polarization losses. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify activation polarization parameters appropriate for modern SOFC modeling. The model is verified using literature available data and compared with state-of-the-art SOFC experimental data. Model results are shown for SOFC operation on humidified H2 and CH4-containing syngas, under co-, counter- or cross-flow configurations. The effects of fuel compositions and flow configurations on SOFC performance and thermal profiles are evaluated, and the implications of these results for system design and analysis are discussed. Innovative IGFC designs are analyzed in Aspen Plus first by employing a non-dimensional SOFC model. The sensitivity of IGFC thermal performance on the extent of carbon capture is also investigated. The most promising system identified consists of catalytic hydro-gasification, low-temperature gas cleaning, a hybrid fuel cell-gas turbine power block, and uniquely features recycling of the de-carbonized, humidified anode exhaust back to the hydro-gasifier. This system serves as a "baseline" case in the following work. The developed dimensional SOFC model is linked with Aspen Plus and employed for IGFC system analysis. The results further confirm the necessity of employing a dimensional SOFC model in IGFC design. To maintain the SOFC internal temperature within a safe operating range, the required cooling air flow rate is much larger than predicted by the non-dimensional SOFC model, which results in a large air compressor load and severely reduces the system efficiency. Options to mitigate the problem and improve IGFC performance are investigated and a design with staged SOFC stacks and cascading air flow can achieve a system efficiency of close to that of the baseline case.

Fuel Cells: Modeling, Control, and Applications describes advanced research results on modeling and control designs for fuel cells and their hybrid energy systems. Filled with simulation examples and test results, it provides detailed discussions on fuel cell modeling, analysis, and nonlinear control. The book begins with an introduction to fuel cells and fuel cell power systems as well as the fundamentals of fuel cell systems and their components. It then presents the linear and nonlinear modeling of fuel cell dynamics, before discussing typical approaches of linear and nonlinear modeling and control design methods for fuel cells. The authors also explore the Simulink implementation of fuel cells, including the modeling of PEM fuel cells and control designs. They cover the applications of fuel cells in vehicles, utility power systems, stand-alone systems, and hybrid renewable energy systems. The book concludes with the modeling and analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems, which integrate fuel cells, wind power, and solar power. Mathematical preliminaries on linear and nonlinear control are provided in an appendix. With the need for alternative power well established, we are seeing unprecedented research in fuel cell technology. Written by scientists directly involved with the research, this book presents approaches and achievements in the linear and nonlinear modeling and control design of PEM fuel cells.

In this Special Issue, we have several papers related to fuel-cell-based cogeneration systems; the management and control of fuel cell systems; the analysis, simulation, and operation of different types of fuel cells; modelling and online experimental validation; and the environment assessment of cathode materials in lithium-ion battery energy generation systems. A paper which gives a comprehensive review with technical guidelines for the design and operation of fuel cells, especially in a cogeneration system setup, which can be an important source of references for the optimal design and operation of various types of fuel cells in cogeneration systems, can also be found in this Special Issue.

A comprehensive guide to the modelling and design of solid oxide fuel cell hybrid power plants This book explores all technical aspects of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) hybrid systems and proposes solutions to a range of technical problems that can arise from component integration. Following a general introduction to the state-of-the-art in SOFC hybrid systems, the authors focus on fuel cell technology, including the components required to operate with standard fuels. Micro-gas turbine (mGT) technology for hybrid systems is discussed, with special attention given to issues related to the coupling of SOFCs with mGTs. Throughout the book emphasis is placed on dynamic issues, including control systems used to avoid risk conditions. With an eye to mitigating the high costs and risks incurred with the building and use of prototype hybrid systems, the authors demonstrate a proven, economically feasible approach to obtaining important experimental results using simplified plants that simulate both generic and detailed system-level behaviour using emulators. Computational models and experimental plants are developed to support the analysis of SOFC hybrid systems, including models appropriate for design, development and performance analysis at both component and system levels. Presents models for a range of size units, technology variations, unit coupling dynamics and start-up and shutdown behaviours Focuses on SOFCs integration with mGTs in light of key constraints and risk avoidance issues under steady-state conditions and during transient operations Identifies interaction and coupling problems within the GT/SOFC environment, including exergy analysis and optimization Demonstrates an economical approach to obtaining important experimental results while avoiding high-cost components and risk conditions Presents analytical/computational and experimental tools for the efficient design and development of hardware and software systems Hybrid Systems Based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Modelling and Design is a valuable resource for researchers and practicing engineers involved in fuel cell fundamentals, design and development. It is also an excellent reference for academic researchers and advanced-level students exploring fuel cell technology.

Adopting a unique, integrated engineering approach, this text simultaneously covers all aspects of design and operation, process analysis, optimization, monitoring and control. It clearly presents the multiple advantages of molten carbonate fuel cells for the efficient conversion of energy, and also includes recent developments in this innovative technology. The whole is rounded off by an appendix featuring benchmark problems with equations and parameters. Vital reading for process, chemical and power engineers, as well as those working in power technology, chemists and electrochemists, materials scientists, and energy-supplying companies.

This book describes advanced research results on Modeling and Control designs for Fuel Cells and their hybrid energy systems. Filled with simulation examples and test results, it provides detailed discussions on Fuel Cell Modeling, Analysis, and Nonlinear control. Beginning with an introduction to Fuel Cells and Fuel Cell Power Systems, as well as the fundamentals of Fuel Cell Systems and their components, it then presents the Linear and Nonlinear modeling of Fuel Cell Dynamics. Typical approaches of Linear and Nonlinear Modeling and Control Design methods for Fuel Cells are also discussed. The authors explore the Simulink implementation of Fuel Cells, including the modeling of PEM Fuel Cells and Control Designs. They cover the applications of Fuel cells in vehicles, utility power systems, and stand-alone systems, which integrate Fuel Cells, Wind Power, and Solar Power. Mathematical preliminaries on Linear and Nonlinear Control are provided in an appendix.

Fuel Cells: Principles, Design, and Analysis considers the latest advances in fuel cell system development and deployment, and was written with engineering and science students in mind. This book provides readers with the fundamentals of fuel cell operation and design, and incorporates techniques and methods designed to analyze different fuel cell