Integrating multiple solid oxide fuel cell modules

According to SECA program guidelines, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are produced in the form of 3-10 kW modules for residential use. In addition to residential use, these modules can also be used in apartment buildings, hospitals, etc., where a higher power rating would be required. For example, a hospital might require a 250 kW power supply. To provide this power using the SOFC modules, 25 of the 10 kW modules would be required. These modules can be integrated in different configurations to yield the necessary power. This paper shows five different approaches for integrating numerous SOFC modules and will evaluate and compare each one with respect to cost, control complexity, ease of modularity, and fault tolerance.