An analysis of the control and operation of a solid oxide fuel-cell power plant in an isolated system

The concept of a feasible operating area for a solid oxide fuel-cell power plant is introduced by establishing the relationship between the stack terminal voltage, fuel utilization, and stack current. The analysis shows that both the terminal voltage and the utilization factor cannot be kept constant simultaneously when the stack current changes. This leads to the two possible control strategies as constant utilization control and constant voltage control. By controlling the input hydrogen fuel in proportion to the stack current, constant utilization control can be accomplished. By incorporating an additional external voltage-control loop, stack terminal voltage can be maintained constant. The detailed design of the control schemes is described. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is illustrated through simulation. Using the numerical results, the maximum value of load power change that the plant can handle safely is predicted.