Model-Based Control Design for a Multi-Stacks SOC System

Abstract

In response to growing interest in high-temperatureelectrolysis, CEA-Liten has developed multi-stack SolidOxide Cell (SOC) testing equipment comprising fourelectrolyser stacks. Each stack includes multiple cells,and together they form a module housed within a sharedthermal enclosure and connected to a balance of plant. Thissetup supports the development of innovative controlstrategies, essential due to the stacks’ sensitivity tooperating conditions. To mitigate risks and costsassociated with testing new strategies directly on thephysical system, a Model in the Loop approach wasimplemented. The model replicates the real module’scharacteristics and operational capabilities, allowing safeand efficient design and validation of control strategies.Various transition scenarios between operatingconditions—tailored to diverse production needs andconstraints—were developed and validated using the modelbefore real-world implementation. This paper presents themodel-based control methodology and compares experimentalresults with simulations.