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

Abstract

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.

The Effect of Insulation Thickness on Heat Transfer Characteristics and Flammability in Tube Mesoscale Combustors

“…The micro power generation system uses hydrocarbon fuel which has a higher energy density compared to batteries. Therefore, the latest advancements in micro power generation systems are highly valuable for being a solution today [8,9].…”

Hydrogen Production System through Dimethyl Ether Autothermal Reforming based on Model Predictive Control

“…However, the traditional energy supply method relies on the exploitation of fossil energy, which is limited by uneven geographical distribution and inconsistent exploitation difficulty. At the same time, long-term consumption makes fossil energy increasingly scarce, and reducing carbon emissions has become a global issue [5,6]. In terms of energy supply innovation, the proportion of new clean energy represented by hydrogen, solar energy and biomass (e.g., biogas and biodiesel) in the overall energy supply field is increasing annually, and fuel cell vehicles are cleaner and more efficient than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles [7,8].…”

Hydrogen Production System through Dimethyl Ether Autothermal Reforming, Based on Model Predictive Control

“…However, the traditional energy supply method relies on the exploitation of fossil energy, which is limited by the uneven geographical distribution and inconsistent exploitation difficulty. At the same time, long-term consumption makes fossil energy increasingly scarce, and reducing carbon emissions has become a global issue [5,6]. In terms of energy supply innovation, the proportion of new clean energy represented by hydrogen, solar energy and biomass (e.g., biogas and biodiesel) in the overall energy supply field is increasing annually, and fuel cell vehicles are cleaner and more efficient than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles [7,8].…”