Optimal and Secure Operation of a μ-CHP Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Hangyu Yu, Florian Bernard Berset, Tafarel de Avila Ferreira, Arne Sommerfeld, Gregor Holstermann, Cédric Frantz, Philippe Aubin, Guillaume Jeanmonod, Ligang Wang, Matthias Boltze, Grégory François, Jan Van herleAbstract
Performance optimization and operational safety of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are crucial for long-term operation and lifespan prolongation. However, optimal and secure operation under real-world conditions remains challenging. This study demonstrates a fast constraint-adaptation real-time optimization methodology that optimizes the electrical and combined-heat-and-power (CHP) efficiencies of a μ-CHP SOFC system across power targets, using transient measurements and a simplified dynamic model despite significant plant-model mismatch. The algorithm converged to power targets within four iterations (15 min), achieving at least 5% relative improvement in electrical efficiency through multi-input manipulation. Optimizing CHP efficiency increased hot water production by 20%. The algorithm remained robust against natural gas grid fluctuations and programmed control-subsystem interruptions while maintaining secure operation without safety shutdowns, demonstrating its maturity for optimal and safe operation of real-world SOFC systems.