• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.592-604
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• 1999

The steady state and dynamic characteristics of large cell area MCFC stacks were analyzed to solve the problems such as temperature difference generated in stacks and pressure difference between anode and cathode. Manipulated variables (current density, duel utilization rate, oxidant utilization rate) and controlled variables (temperature difference, anode and cathode pressure difference) which had an important effect on the MCFC stack performance were determined using operation results of two types of MCFC stacks (5kW (3,000 $\textrm{cm}^2$, 20 ea). 3kW (6,000 $\textrm{cm}^2$, 5ea)). The stability and transfer function representing system dynamics were obtained by steady state gain rate which showed the relative change between MVs and CVs. The transfer function was a 3$\times$3 matrix and a typical first order system without time delay. The optimal operating condition of large cell area MCFC stacks could be determined by analyzing dynamic characteristics. In case of a 5 kW MCFC stack, pressurized operation with recycle flow should be used to control the outlet temperature less than 68$0^{\circ}C$ and to control the MCFC system effectively. MIMO control or decoupler should be used to remove the interaction between MVs and CVs. This result will be used as important data in determining the control structure design and operation mode of large cell area MCFC systems in the future.