Control of an energy integrated solid oxide fuel cell system

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) energy systems constitute an alternative solution to the conventional combustion systems for power generation. Their high operating temperature provides the potential for energy integration and higher overall system efficiencies. In this study, an integrated SOFC energy system suitable for stationary applications is considered. Dynamic lumped parameter models for each unit are derived. Control objectives are identified and a control strategy for the integrated SOFC energy system is proposed. A nonlinear model based controller is derived for the control of fuel cell temperature. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is illustrated via case studies with varying power demand.