Dynamic modeling and control analysis of a methanol autothermal reforming and PEM fuel cell power system

Ipsakis, Dimitris; Ouzounidou, Martha; Papadopoulou, Simira; Seferlis, Panos; Voutetakis, Spyros

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.09.077

Cited by 28 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…This two stage heat exchanging takes place in HX1 through the combustor hot effluent and in HX2 through the reformer hot outlet, respectively. This heat coupling has already proved that process economics and system efficiency can be significantly improved [30,31] when an autonomous operation is required (e.g., stand-alone applications). The steam/HC mixture enters the catalytic steam reformer where a set of reactions take place as shown in Table 1 along with the respective kinetics (reaction enthalpies are estimated as a function of temperature/pressure.).…”

Section: Process System Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Coupled Reforming/Combustor System for the Production of H2 via Hydrocarbon-Based Fuels

et al. 2020

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The present work aims to provide insights into the dynamic operation of a coupled reformer/combustion unit that can utilize a variety of saturated hydrocarbons (HCs) with 1–4 C atoms towards H2 production (along with CO2). Within this concept, a preselected HC-based feedstock enters a steam reforming reactor for the production of H2 via a series of catalytic reactions, whereas a sequential postprocessing unit (water gas shift reactor) is then utilized to increase H2 purity and minimize CO. The core unit of the overall system is the combustor that is coupled with the reformer reactor and continuously provides heat (a) for sustaining the prevailing endothermic reforming reactions and (b) for the process feed streams. The dynamic model as it is initially developed, consists of ordinary differential equations that capture the main physicochemical phenomena taking place at each subsystem (energy and mass balances) and is compared against available thermodynamic data (temperature and concentration). Further on, a distributed control scheme based on PID (Proportional–Integral–Derivative) controllers (each one tuned via Ziegler–Nichols/Z-N methodology) is applied and a set of case studies is formulated. The aim of the control scheme is to maintain the selected process-controlled variables within their predefined set-points, despite the emergence of sudden disturbances. It was revealed that the accurately tuned controllers lead to (a) a quick start-up operation, (b) minimum overshoot (especially regarding the sensitive reactor temperature), (c) zero offset from the desired operating set-points, and (d) quick settling during disturbance emergence.

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Section: Process System Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Coupled Reforming/Combustor System for the Production of H2 via Hydrocarbon-Based Fuels

et al. 2020

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“…In a similar study [14], the net electrical and thermal efficiencies were considered as objectives to provide multiple optimal operating conditions at various electrical and thermal generation levels using models developed in [15]. Finally, there have been studies dealing with the mathematical description and control analysis of a methanol autothermal reformer/LT-PEMFC autonomous system [16,17]. Analytical models of the components have been developed and used in the formulation of alternative flowsheets in order to evaluate their response to multiple simultaneous disturbances.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of an Autonomous Power System Based on Hydrocarbon Reforming and High Temperature Fuel Cell

et al. 2021

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The integration and control of energy systems for power generation consists of multiple heterogeneous subsystems, such as chemical, electrochemical, and thermal, and contains challenges that arise from the multi-way interactions due to complex dynamic responses among the involved subsystems. The main motivation of this work is to design the control system for an autonomous automated and sustainable system that meets a certain power demand profile. A systematic methodology for the integration and control of a hybrid system that converts liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to hydrogen, which is subsequently used to generate electrical power in a high-temperature fuel cell that charges a Li-Ion battery unit, is presented. An advanced nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) framework is implemented to achieve this goal. The operational objective is the satisfaction of power demand while maintaining operation within a safe region and ensuring thermal and chemical balance. The proposed NMPC framework based on experimentally validated models is evaluated through simulation for realistic operation scenarios that involve static and dynamic variations of the power load.

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“…Therefore, early research mainly concentrated on both theory and experiment on kinetics of methanol oxidation, methanol crossover and the mass transport within the fuel cell . Ipsakis et al established a rigorous dynamic and control‐oriented model for the accurate description of methanol reforming fuel cell power system running independently. Thimmappa et al altered the chemistry properties at the cathode electrolyte interface and demonstrated a single chamber DMFC with a Pt‐free cathode and an electron‐free diffusion acceptor.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of self‐adaptive thermal control design in passive direct methanol fuel cell

et al. 2019

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A novel anode thermal optimization approach is presented and developed in this paper, based on the detailed investigations of operating temperature on the performance of passive micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC). First, a two‐dimensional model of two‐phase cell is established to observe methanol solution transport and pressure distribution under different operating temperatures. Moreover, passive stainless steel‐based μDMFC preparation and fabrication use micro laser‐cut technology, and the influences of cell temperature on corresponding cell performances are under experimental investigation. Eventually, according to the consequences of simulation and experimental analysis, a practical anode self‐adaptive thermal control strategy equips with the self‐made silicone heating sheet is designed, and the stable work of μDMFC at the optimal temperature is realized through this method. Compared with the conventional fuel cell, the optimized fuel cell system can significantly improve the net output power density and efficiency (Power density increased from 20.8 mW cm−2 to 52.16 mW cm−2).

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Dynamic modeling and control analysis of a methanol autothermal reforming and PEM fuel cell power system

Cited by 28 publications

References 59 publications

Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Coupled Reforming/Combustor System for the Production of H2 via Hydrocarbon-Based Fuels

Dynamic Modeling and Control of a Coupled Reforming/Combustor System for the Production of H2 via Hydrocarbon-Based Fuels

Nonlinear Model Predictive Control of an Autonomous Power System Based on Hydrocarbon Reforming and High Temperature Fuel Cell

Investigation of self‐adaptive thermal control design in passive direct methanol fuel cell

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