Modeling and Simulation Approach for Standardized Testing and Analysis of PEMFC CHP Systems

Abstract

Fuel cell combined heat and power (FC CHP) systems propose a high-efficient, low emission and decentralized power and heat supply for buildings. An exact comparison between the different fuel cell CHP systems as well as detailed conclusions about efficiencies and optimization potential is hardly possible. Therefore, based on system tests, a model- aided system analysis tool using Matlab/Simulink{trade mark, serif} was developed to model and simulate different types of fuel cell systems. In the experimental modeling and simulation approach the general and flexible system model structure was parameterized and validated on the basis of measured data of a natural gas operated PEMFC CHP system. The results of the simulation agree well with the measured values.

Modular Testing and Simulation Environment for Analysis and Optimization of Fuel Cell Systems

“…The presented model-aided system analysis environment has been validated earlier using a 2 kW el and 4 kW thermal PEMFC CHP prototype system based on natural gas [1,2]. Using the developed physical models for the different reformer steps, PEMFC, heat exchangers and compressors a system model was built to simulate the different testing procedures performed prior to the simulation.…”

“…As described earlier [1,2] the modeling is based on a general variable and flexible system model structure consisting of different subsystem groups. This structure provides a frame for all kinds of fuel cell systems (e.g.…”

“…For the different system components a model library was established (Figure 4). This model library consists of steady state or dynamic electrical component models (blowers, compressors, pumps, inverters and other power electronic devices), general component models including a species and heat balance [1,2,4] for steady state and dynamic simulation (reformer steps, heat exchanger, vaporizers and burners) and extended general models including electrochemistry for fuel cells. The component models provide standardized interfaces and allow a steady state and dynamic simulation of systems in any detail.…”

“…System Efficiency. In earlier works [1,2] it was necessary to simulate the possible efficiency increase of our methane based stationary PEMFC reference system when feeding back the anode offgas to the burner (Figure 7) showing a possible average total efficiency increase of about 7.4%.…”

“…The limited number of standard test routines will therefore deliver the necessary model parameters. In this work the earlier described model-aided testing and simulation approach [1,2] has been extended and validated to fit not only stationary PEMFC systems. To show the tool flexibility, modularity and accuracy for a wide range of applications it has been applied to a complex prototype stationary PEMFC Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system [1][2][3], a small commercial methanol based PEMFC Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and a fictive stationary SOFC CHP system [4].…”