Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Energy Conversion Networks

A powerful electrical network analyzer, PSpice, is used to explore alternative solid oxide fuel cell Energy Conversion Networks (ECN's). The ECN's electrical network configurations are important in determining where solid oxide fuel cells can best play in modern grid support and resiliency. A modeling methodology is used to relate microscopic solid oxide fuel cell solid-state ionic material properties like electrical conductivity to macroscopic solid oxide fuel cell Energy Conversion Networks' electrical network performance. While many models could be used for the ECN components, such as fuel cells, storage, etc., the model chosen in this paper as an example to illustrate the methodology, allows heat engine component performance, when included, to be recast solely in electrochemical and electrical network terms. The analysis results in this paper include the power and efficiency responses of the ECN's of interest, such as multiple solid oxide fuel cells in multi-loop electrical networks, smart grids and microgrids.