2025-09-10 –, Audi-Max
Ammonia is a promising zero carbon and sustainable hydrogen carrier that can be used as a fuel in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) by offering advantages related to the ease of storage and the possibility of being used directly without an external reformer. In this study, a Modelica-based dynamic model of an 'Ammonia to Power' (A2P) system was developed by integrating ammonia decomposition kinetics, electrochemical reactions, all the system-level components and the main control loops. A novel Balance of Plant (BoP) configuration is proposed, featuring a five-way heat exchanger that recovers waste heat primarily using the fuel stream as the thermal energy vector instead of air. The model evaluates transient responses to operational perturbations, the behavior of the different control loops, and recirculation percentage rates to optimize system performance. Efficiency is calculated as the ratio of the power output from the SOFC to the power derived from the fresh ammonia line.
Michele Bolognese is a researcher specializing in dynamic modelling and simulation of sustainable energy systems, with a particular focus on hydrogen technologies and integration of renewable energy sources. He plays a pivotal role at Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) in the Sustainable Energy Center, contributing to different EU research projects and leading both industrial and academic collaborations in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. His work extensively leverages the Modelica language to develop, validate, and optimize multi-domain and complex energy systems, advancing digital twins and control strategies for sector-leading projects. In 2022 he received the Hydrogen Europe Research Young Scientist Award in 2022 for his activities in hydrogen production. His approach is perfectly consistent with the vision of the Sustainable Energy Centre, demonstrated by his commitment to accelerating Europe’s energy transition and the integration of hydrogen technologies, combining academic research, digital innovation and industrial applications.
