Extended-range electric vehicle-oriented thermoelectric surge control of a solid oxide fuel cell system

Abstract As an extended-range electric vehicle energy supply technology with high efficiency, solid oxide fuel cell thermoelectric surge has a negative impact on power stable output and energy conversion efficiency of vehicle during the dynamic process. In this paper, a black box mathematical model is identified using a kW-scale SOFC system with a reformer. This model includes the dynamic characteristics of key components (BOP) such as the stack, reformer, heat exchanger, and afterburner. Then, the model is simplified effectively to 7 input × 3 output mode. Compared with the actual SOFC system, the model identification accuracy is 86%, which takes 3.78s. Further, the system model and data are used to analyze the balance of plant response. It is found that the system thermoelectric safety is closely related with the steam to carbon ratio. Based on the analysis results of thermoelectric surge phenomenon, a data-driven predictive control strategy is developed to guarantee the system thermal safety and steady power generation by the cooperative control of fuel and air flow rate. The test results show that the proposed predictive controller solves effectively the system thermoelectric surge problem, and improve the energy conversion efficiency for extended-range electric vehicle.