LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a solid oxide fuel cell in transient conditions is improved based on considering utilization factor concept as well as the flow rate of hydrogen fuel for distributed power system applications. Among different types of FCs, SOFC has been chosen for distributed power systems because of its ability to operate under relatively impure fuel conditions. The main drawback of the fuel cell system is its slow dynamic. Consequently, storage devices such as ultra-capacitor and battery bank with a fast dynamic response should be used in hybrid configurations. Accordingly it is rational to utilize cost-effective control strategies to enhance the dynamic response of FC systems. The proposed method enhances the dynamic response through properly controlling of DC/AC converter and utilization factor. In this regard, via controlling the power condition unit in the right way, the amplitude of utilization factor can be controlled to satisfy the limitation of fuel flow rate and protect FC system against overuse or underuse conditions. The simulation results of the solid oxide fuel cell in the stand-alone power plant structure across different active and reactive load changes along with mathematical proofs indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.