Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Countercurrent Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) with Internal Reforming

A dynamic mathematical model for a countercurrent MCFC with direct internal methane reforming is introduced. It allows for the simulation of the gas phase compositions and flows, the temperatures in gas and solid phases, the cell voltage, and the current density distribution. This state space model is fully formulated in terms of dimensionless parameter groups, which are derived from the underlying physical and chemical phenomena. The model assumptions and equations are outlined in detail and a numerical solution strategy is proposed. The model is used to predict the current-voltage curve as well as the dynamic cell response to a stepwise load change