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Electrical power distribution system and method for a grid-tied reversible solid oxide fuel cell system

  • US 9,917,322 B2
  • Filed: 07/01/2015
  • Issued: 03/13/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC) system, comprising:

  • a Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC) unit, having a fuel cell mode, wherein the RSOFC unit produces electrical power from fuel, and an electrolysis mode, wherein the RSOFC unit consumes electrical power to produce the fuel;

    a bi-directional alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter, coupled to the RSOFC unit, configured to convert direct current (DC) electrical power produced by the RSOFC unit into outgoing alternating current (AC) power, and to convert incoming AC power into DC power for consumption by the RSOFC unit in electrolysis mode;

    a common bus, coupled to the bi-directional AC/DC converter and to a power grid, wherein the common bus comprises;

    a plurality of subsystem circuit breakers, configured to trip on overload condition, coupled only to the RSOFC subsystems; and

    a plurality of power circuit breakers, configured to trip on overload condition, coupled only to the bi-directional AC/DC converter and the RSOFC unit; and

    a plurality of RSOFC subsystems, coupled to receive power only through the common bus.

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