Nonlinear modeling of MCFC stack based on RBF neural networks identification

Modeling molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) is very difficult and the most existing models are based on conversation laws which are too complicated to be used to design a control system. This paper presents an application of radial basis functions (RBF) neural networks identification to develop a nonlinear temperature model of MCFC stack. The temperature characters of MCFC stack are briefly analyzed. A summary of RBF neural networks modeling of MCFC is introduced. The simulation tests reveal that it is feasible to establish the model of MCFC stack using RBF neural networks identification. The modeling process avoids using complicated differential equations to describe the stack and the neural networks model developed can be used to predict the temperature responses online which makes it possible to design online controller of MCFC stack. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.