One-dimensional model of solid oxide fuel cell for advanced hybrid energy systems analysis

Growing demand for electricity and the intensification of the use of renewable energy sources create the need for the development of energy technologies, including hydrogen-based solutions. In the context of generating energy from hydrogen, fuel cells are characterised by particularly favourable operating parameters. The literature identifies several types of fuel cells, among which high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) show significant application potential. This is related, among other factors, to the possibility of integrating these cells into hybrid energy systems (fuel cell − gas cycle − steam cycle) with various configurations and high energy efficiency. To determine the optimal structures of hybrid systems, detailed system analyses are essential, requiring accurate modelling of fuel cell characteristics. Depending on the objective of the analyses, the cell models may vary in complexity. This paper presents an advanced one-dimensional fuel cell model, enabling more realistic preliminary thermodynamic and economic analyses of hybrid systems. This model facilitates the assessment of efficiency, dimensions and exhaust media parameters. Furthermore, it allows for the verification of whether the cell parameters used in the analyses align with their practical implementation capabilities.