Rapid load transition for integrated solid oxide fuel cell – Gas turbine (SOFC-GT) energy systems: A demonstration of the potential for grid response

Rapid load transition is an essential requirement for integrated energy systems to maintain grid resilience as more renewable resources are added the grid. Integrated solid oxide fuel cell – gas turbine (SOFC-GT) can provide high efficiency and low carbon emissions over a broad range of turndown. These hybrids also have potential enable rapid response. The challenge has been demonstrate effective control strategies manage transitions. In present study, ∼50% was achieved in 10 s using novel but simple strategy. Power demand on SOFC GT were ramped down concurrently. During this transition, anode manipulated utilization while cathode inlet air flow temperature thermally protect SOFC. This study conducted Hybrid Performance (Hyper) facility at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) co-simulation environment with Idaho (INL)’s grid-simulation. ramping strategy tested hardware-based cyber-physical simulation methodology. results high-fidelity representation SOFC-GT hybrid dynamics validation Thermal electrochemical transients indicated that well protected during turndown without violating operability constraints. demonstration revealed non-linear nature tightly coupled system components, especially response controls. highlight needs challenges developing adaptive automatic controls autonomous work demonstrates viable option fast-ramping characteristics accommodate levels variable power maintaining resilience, reliability, environmental performance. utility advancing tightly-coupled needed meet goals zero-carbon generation.