The parameter identification of a mathematical model of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) is presented. The model is spatially distributed in two dimensions and describes the strongly non-linear coupling of the temperature field and reactions inside a MCFC. It contains a high number of unknown parameters that need to be validated by experimental means. Therefore, measurements from an industrial 250kW fuel cell power plant are used. This validation approach requires an elaborate strategy, which is presented in detail. The resulting set of parameters can predict the behavior of the MCFC over a broad operating range with a very good precision. The validated model is an important basis for further process optimization and for control system design.
The reduction of a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) model is presented. It starts from a reference model, which includes direct and indirect internal reforming as well as a catalytic combustion and a reversal chamber between anode and cathode channels. The reference model is dynamic, spatially distributed and strictly based on balances of mass, enthalpy and charges. In order to reduce the numerical effort of the model simulations and to retain as much detailed information on the system behaviour as possible, the model is systematically reduced by identifying negligible physical and chemical processes. All model reductions are discussed in detail. To evaluate the effects of the applied changes, the reduced model is compared to the reference model.
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