Load-transient mitigation techniques for solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power-conditioning system

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. Again, lowering of the base fuel utilization for the anticipated load transients reduces the efficiency of the SOFC stack increasing the unit cost of power generation significantly. To alleviate these degrading effects of load transients on the performance, durability of SOFC stacks (SOFCSs), and unit cost of SOFC power, we investigate the effectiveness of energy-buffering devices.