Large‐scale modular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) reactors composed of multiple stacks are regarded as an efficient form of power generation and important for the global energy transition. However, such an arrangement leads to several operational challenges, and methods are required for handling such challenges and understanding their sources. Hence, a test rig for the examination of a 30 kW SOFC reactor with multiple stacks, for operation near real system conditions, is built. The test rig, which allows operation at elevated pressure, is equipped with a high‐temperature blower that recirculates the fuel gas at SOFC reactor temperature. In a measurement campaign, fuel gas, reactant conversion, and pressure are varied in stationary and transient experiments. The experimental results showed that the operating conditions of the individual stacks of large SOFC reactors vary largely due to flow distribution and heat losses. Methods for the investigation of these critical characteristic parameters are derived from the experimental results. Furthermore, the impact of pressurization and fuel gas recirculation on the SOFC reactor is analyzed. This publication shows the need to understand the behavior of large SOFC reactors with multiple stacks to increase the performance and robustness of complete process systems.
Defossilization of the global energy system requires a transition towards intermittent renewable energy sources and approaches that enable efficient conversion of primary energy sources into electrical energy. Due to their high efficiency in converting chemical into electrical energy and vice versa, solid oxide cell (SOC) systems provide solutions for both of these aspects. However, mode transitions in SOC operation require operating strategies to ensure that thermal gradients in the reactors are suppressed. In this study, two researched cases utilizing SOC’s are presented, based on simulation studies and experiments with an SOC multi-reactor module. The transient module model is validated in 75 kW electrolysis and polygeneration, and applied to analyze the effect of internal steam methane reforming on the temperature profile of the reactors. Subsequently, it is coupled with a validated Li-ion battery model, to test a rule-based power split control strategy suitable for a demand curve characteristic of a ship.
The low-carbon economy of the future needs low consumption of fossil and high quality renewable based fuels. This requires high efficiencies, good part-load performance and fuel flexibility. A very promising concept to achieve that is the combination of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with a gas turbine (GT) in a pressurized hybrid power plant. However, experimental data for such SOFC/GT systems are rare. Thus, the DLR built a test rig to analyse such a system with 30 kW electrical output. A 30 kW SOFC module is used under pressurized conditions with components that emulate the GT. Commercially available stacks and state of the art peripheral components are installed. These include e.g. a hot anode off-gas recirculation blower, a steam reformer and recuperator. The system was put into operation and is used to experimentally analyse its operational behaviour. This publication will give insights about the current status of the experimental work. It will outline the basic SOFC/GT process, the implementation within the installed SOFC system and the degrees of freedom in comparison to a coupled system. Experimental results are shown and the impact of main parameters is analysed.
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