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High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are considered as suitable components of future large-scale clean and efficient power generation systems. However, at its current stage of development some technical barriers exists which limit SOFC's potential for rapid large-scale deployment. The present article aims at providing solutions to key technical barriers in SOFC technology. The focus is on the solutions addressing thermal resistance, fuel reforming, energy conversion efficiency, materials, design, and fuel utilisation issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on mathematical modeling and numerical simulations, applicativity of various biofuels on high temperature fuel cell performance are presented. Governing equations of high temperature fuel cell modeling are given. Adequate simulators of both solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) have been done and described. Performance of these fuel cells with different biofuels is shown. Some characteristics are given and described. Advantages and disadvantages of various biofuels from the system performance point of view are pointed out. An analysis of various biofuels as potential fuels for SOFC and MCFC is presented. The results are compared with both methane and hydrogen as the reference fuels. The biofuels are characterized by both lower efficiency and lower fuel utilization factors compared with methane. The presented results are based on a 0D mathematical model in the design point calculation. The governing equations of the model are also presented. Technical and financial analysis of high temperature fuel cells (SOFC and MCFC) are shown. High temperature fuel cells can be fed by biofuels like: biogas, bioethanol, and biomethanol. Operational costs and possible incomes of those installation types were estimated and analyzed. A comparison against classic power generation units is shown. A basic indicator net present value (NPV) for projects was estimated and commented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on mathematical modelling and numerical simulations, the control strategy for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Hybrid System (SOFC-HS) is presented. Adequate maps of performances with three independent parameters are shown. These independent parameters are as follows: stack current, fuel mass flow and turbine-compressor shaft speed. To control the external load, those parameters should be appropriately chosen. The control system is purposed to meet many constraints: e.g. stack temperature, steam-to-carbon ratio, compressor surge limitation etc. The aim is to achieve maximum efficiency of power generated within those constraints. Governing equations of SOFC-HS modelling are given. An adequate simulator for the SOFC module was produced and described. Based on this simulator, the control strategy was obtained. The performance of this SOFC-HS is shown in various working environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many mathematical models of the singular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). SOFC performance modelling is related to the multi-physic processes taking place on the fuel cell surfaces. Heat transfer together with electrochemical reactions, mass and charge transport are conducted inside the cell. There are many parameters which impact the cell working conditions, e.g. electrolyte material, electrolyte thickness, cell temperature, inlet and outlet gas compositions at anode and cathode, anode and cathode porosities etc. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) can be applied to simulate an object's behaviour without an algorithmic solution merely by utilizing available experimental data. The ANN is used for modelling singular cell behaviour. The optimal network architecture is shown and commented. The error back-propagation algorithm was used for an ANN training procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]