Energy buffering techniques for load transient mitigation of solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power conditioning system (PCS)

Differences in the response times of a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and its power-electronics subsystem (PES), and that of the balance-of-plant subsystem (BOPS) cause low reactant conditions near the SOFC electrodes during load transients. Because the BOPS cannot instantaneously provide enough fuel to the SOFC, load transients have a detrimental effect on the performance and durability of the fuel cell. To alleviate the degrading effects of load transients on the performance and durability of SOFC stacks (SOFCSs), we investigate the effectiveness of two energy-buffering devices (namely, a battery and a pressurized-hydrogen-storage tank).