Models for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems ― Exploitation of Models Hierarchy for Industrial Design of Control and Diagnosis Strategies

The book presents methodologies that are suitable for optimal design of control and diagnosis strategies for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems. Key feature of the methodologies presented is the exploitation of modelling tools with an optimal balance between accuracy and computational burden. Particular emphasis is given to the useful combination of models within a hierarchical framework, aimed at reducing the experimental efforts required for characterization and testing. Such tools are proven to be highly effective for SOFC systems destined to both residential and transportation applications. Optimality through the book is always conceived in such a way as to let the SOFC systems work efficiently while guaranteeing safe thermal operation as well as extended lifetime. The book is intended for scientists and engineers involved into the design of marketable SOFC systems. It gathers the knowledge and the experience gained in other research and industrial areas, for which control and diagnosis have proven to be the main keys of success and market penetration.

Over the past decade Cesare Pianese and Marco Sorrentino concentrated their research interests in the field of model-based control and diagnosis of fuel-cell based energy conversion systems. They transfer to the fuel-cell area the experience gained on the control and optimization of internal combustion engines and other alternative propulsion systems. Most of the modelling approaches and the methodologies presented in the book are derived from those successfully implemented on real systems by industrial companies.