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SOFC (1)

This report evaluates a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) connected to a single-phase power grid through a Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) inverter, detailing the system's components, operation, and efficiency. It emphasizes the high efficiency and low emissions of SOFCs, along with the closed-loop control mechanism for synchronization with the grid. Simulation results indicate successful integration, stable power injection, and compliance with IEEE standards for total harmonic distortion.

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SREEDEV TT
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6 views

SOFC (1)

This report evaluates a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) connected to a single-phase power grid through a Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) inverter, detailing the system's components, operation, and efficiency. It emphasizes the high efficiency and low emissions of SOFCs, along with the closed-loop control mechanism for synchronization with the grid. Simulation results indicate successful integration, stable power injection, and compliance with IEEE standards for total harmonic distortion.

Uploaded by

SREEDEV TT
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SOFC-Based Grid-Connected System

March 21, 2025

Abstract
This report presents a detailed technical evaluation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) con-
nected to a single-phase power grid via a Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) inverter.
Each subsystem’s role, working principles, and mathematical formulations are elaborated, ensuring
a comprehensive understanding of system operation and efficiency.

1 Introduction
With the increasing demand for renewable energy integration, fuel cells have gained attention as sustain-
able energy sources. This report evaluates the simulation of an SOFC-based energy conversion system
integrated with a single-phase power grid. The system consists of a fuel cell generating DC power, an
inverter for AC conversion, and a closed-loop control mechanism for synchronization with the grid.
Fuel cells, particularly SOFCs, offer high efficiency and low emissions compared to conventional
power generation methods. They convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy through an
electrochemical reaction, reducing losses associated with combustion-based power generation.

Figure 1: SOFC-based Grid Integration System

2 Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)


The SOFC is an electrochemical device that generates DC power from hydrogen fuel through oxidation.
The fundamental reaction occurring at the electrodes is:

Anode: H2 + O2− → H2 O + 2e− (1)

1
Cathode: O2 + 2e− → O2− (2)
2

1
Figure 2: SOFC Voltage and Current Output

The electrochemical reaction occurs within a ceramic electrolyte that allows the flow of oxygen ions
while blocking electrons, forcing them to flow through an external circuit and generating electricity.
The open-circuit voltage (OCV) of the SOFC is calculated using the Nernst equation:
1/2
!
RT PH 2 PO 2
VSOFC = Voc − IR − ln (3)
2F PH 2 O
where:
• VSOFC : Output voltage of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC).

• Voc : Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of the fuel cell, determined by the Nernst equation.
• I : Current drawn from the fuel cell (A).
• R : Internal resistance of the SOFC (Ω), which contributes to voltage drop.
• T : Absolute temperature (K) of the fuel cell.

• F : Faraday’s constant (96.487 × 103 C/kmol), representing charge per mole of electrons.
• PH2 : Partial pressure of hydrogen gas (atm).
• PO2 : Partial pressure of oxygen gas (atm).

• PH2 O : Partial pressure of water vapor (atm).

2
3 Single-Phase SPWM Inverter
The inverter converts the DC voltage from the SOFC into AC suitable for grid integration. This is
achieved using a single-phase Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique.

Figure 3: Inverter Output Voltage and Current

The modulated output voltage is:

Vinv (t) = Vdc · M sin(ωt) (4)

4 Closed-Loop Controller
A closed-loop controller ensures synchronization of the inverter output with the grid voltage.

Figure 4: Closed-Loop Control System

A **Proportional-Integral (PI) controller** adjusts the output voltage and frequency dynamically:
Z
Vcontrol (t) = Kp e(t) + Ki e(t)dt (5)

4.1 Closed-Loop Control System for Grid-Connected Inverter


The closed-loop control system is designed to regulate the output voltage of the Single-Phase Sinusoidal
Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) Inverter, ensuring synchronization with the power grid. The primary
objectives of this control system are:
• Maintaining a stable output voltage of 230V RMS (325V peak).
• Synchronizing the inverter output with the grid voltage.
• Minimizing total harmonic distortion (THD).

3
4.1.1 Control Strategy
The closed-loop controller utilizes a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller to regulate the inverter’s output
voltage. The reference voltage is generated based on the grid voltage, ensuring accurate phase and
frequency synchronization. The system consists of the following key components:

• Grid Voltage Sensing: The grid voltage Vgrid is sensed and processed through filters to extract
the fundamental component.
• Reference Signal Generation: The reference signal is derived using:
peak
Vref (t) = Vgrid · sin(ωt) (6)

where ω is the fundamental angular frequency of the grid (e.g., 50 Hz).


• Error Computation: The error between the reference voltage and the actual inverter output
voltage is computed as:
e(t) = Vref (t) − Vinv (t) (7)

• PI Controller: The error signal is processed by a PI controller to generate the required modulation
index: Z
Vcontrol (t) = Kp e(t) + Ki e(t)dt (8)

where:
– Kp is the proportional gain.
– Ki is the integral gain.
• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Generation: The control signal modulates the DC voltage
to generate SPWM pulses for the inverter switches.

4.1.2 Mathematical Modeling of the Control Loop


The transfer function of the inverter can be approximated as:
Vinv (s) K
Ginv (s) = = (9)
Vcontrol (s) s + ωc
where:
• K is the system gain.
• ωc is the cutoff frequency of the inverter filter.
The PI controller has a transfer function:
Ki
GPI (s) = Kp + (10)
s
The closed-loop transfer function of the system is given by:
GPI (s)Ginv (s)
Gcl (s) = (11)
1 + GPI (s)Ginv (s)

4.1.3 Simulation and Performance Analysis


The closed-loop control system is simulated under varying load conditions and grid disturbances. Key
performance indicators include:

• Voltage Regulation: The inverter maintains an output voltage of 230Vrms .


• Synchronization Accuracy: Phase shift remains within ±2◦ .
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Reduced to less than 3%, complying with IEEE-519 standards.
• Dynamic Response: The system recovers within 2 cycles (40 ms) after a sudden load change.

4
5 Grid Integration and Power Flow
The single-phase grid serves as the load for power injection.

Figure 5: Grid Voltage and Current Synchronization

The active power injected into the grid is computed as:

P = Vgrid Igrid cos(ϕ) (12)

6 Simulation Results and Analysis


The simulation provides insights into various operational aspects:
• Inverter Output Voltage (Red Plot):Demonstrates modulated AC voltage.

• Grid Voltage (Purple Plot): Shows sinusoidal waveform, indicating synchronization.


• Inverter Output Current (Blue Plot): Represents load current dynamics.
• Grid Output Current (Cyan Plot):Confirms power injection to the grid.
• SOFC Current and Voltage (Green Blue Plots): Depict stable fuel cell operation.

Figure 6: Simulation results

5
7 Conclusion
The simulation successfully demonstrates the feasibility of integrating an SOFC with a single-phase grid.
Key takeaways include:
• Effective DC-AC conversion using SPWM.

• Synchronization via closed-loop PI control.


• Stable power injection with minimal THD.
This study highlights the efficiency of SOFCs for renewable energy applications.

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