Modeling and simulation of SOFC using PSCAD

In recent years, an interest toward fuel cell studies has grown because of increasing energy demand and fuel cells are clean and efficient sources of electricity. In this study, the electrical characteristic of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is analysed. The dynamic model of solid oxide fuel cell is built using PSCAD software. DC performance of SOFC is tested under constant load. Then variable DC load connected to SOFC model and fuel cell response investigated. The power conditioning unit, which includes DC-DC converter and DC-AC inverter, is modelled using PSCAD software. SOFC model and power conditioning is connected to analyse AC performance of SOFC model. The AC performance of SOFC model is tested under an AC load through the transmission line of 400 V at the length of 10 km. SOFC voltage is boosted with DC-DC boost converter and converter output voltage is kept constant at 380 V. This voltage is converted to AC form with three phase inverter. DC-AC inverter phase to phase output voltage rms value is set to 400 V. PI controller is used for converter and inverter control.