Experimental transient validation of a Direct FuelCell(R) stack model

This paper compares the dynamic responses of a first principle model for internally reformed molten carbonate fuel cell stack with laboratory test results. ne dynamic model is currently being utilized in the design of a Ship Service Fuel Cell (SSFC) power plant. It is being employed to study the transient characteristics of the power plant and to aid in the design of the control system. The tests were performed on a nominally rated 20-kW, 30-cell laboratory test unit with full-scale cell area. Transient tests consisted of a set of step load changes it two different operating points. The predicted multi-time scale behavior is seen in the experimental results, which show a good agreement with the computer model.