Modeling of molten carbonate fuel cell based on the volume–resistance characteristics and experimental analysis

The real-time dynamic simulation of MCFC is still difficult up to now. This work presents a one-dimensional mathematical model for MCFC considering the variation of local gas properties, and the experimental analysis for the validation of model. The volume–resistance (V–R) characteristic modeling method has been introduced. Using the V–R modeling method and the modular modeling idea, the partial differential equations for cell mass, energy and momentum balance can be modified in order to develop a model for quick simulation. Experiments have been carried out at Shanghai Jiaotong University Fuel Cell Research Institute. The experiments have been done under different operating pressures, and the results are used to validate the model. A good agreement between simulation and experimental results has been observed. Steady- and dynamic-state simulation results are analyzed. The results indicate that the V–R characteristic modeling method is feasible and valuable. The model can be used in the real-time dynamic simulation.