Architecture and control of SOFC and PEMFC systems
PEMFC and SOFC fuel cells - description and management of the system

The use of SOFCs requires strict protocols, as they are not very tolerant of operation in conditions far from nominal. Start-up, shutdown and load variation phases are particularly critical.

The initial temperature rise associated with the reactive gas phase is a key factor in the cell's future performance. The aim is to reduce the anode to obtain the porosity conditions required for the cell to operate correctly. The anode and cathode are heated under air flow, and the nickel oxide is reduced under a mixture of hydrogen diluted with an inert gas (argon or nitrogen). This operation is generally the responsibility of the cell manufacturer [3]: