Distributed Generation Applications of Fuel Cells

Fuel cells (FCs) are static energy conversion devices that convert the chemical energy of fuel directly into DC electrical energy. Among several types of fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) show great promise for distributed generation (DG) applications. These fuel cells have many advantages over conventional power plants. They have higher efficiency, zero or lower emission of pollutant gases and flexible modular structure, and they can be placed at desired sites in a distribution system for system reinforcement. This paper discusses the DG applications of the above three types of fuel cells and introduces the controllers needed to regulate the FC output voltage and control the real and reactive power flow to the utility grid