Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell based Distributed Generation

This paper presents the operation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack model based distributed generation (DG) by taking into consideration its dynamics. The SOFC modeling is carried out in state space form. The operation of this model in islanding as well as in grid connecting mode is discussed. The variations in the grid frequency and the output power delivered by the grid is presented for the both the modes. Effectiveness of the SOFC model has been demonstrated by connecting it to an infinite bus and to a 10 node distribution network. Voltage profile improvement and power loss reduction play a key role in distribution network. Results confirm the usefulness of this model in improving the voltage profile and in maintaining the grid frequency.