Modeling, simulation and control of direct reforming molten carbonate fuel cell power plant

A mathematical model, control description, and simulation results for internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cell power plant are discussed in this paper. The dominant thermodynamics and chemical reactions are modeled for the cell stack and balance-of-plant, including anode exhaust oxidizer and simplified heat recovery unit. Physical data is obtained from a 2-MW system design that is a precursor to a demonstration fuel cell power plant that had been running on natural gas at the City of Santa Clara. CA, USA. The fuel cells in this design utilize direct reforming of methane gas through placement of internal reforming catalysts within the cells. The control loops and operation in the actual plant have been retained in the simulation model and experimental transient results are provided for a sudden increase in power demand on the fuel cell stack. Copyright (C) 2000 IFAC.