Control structure for a bio-ethanol fuel processor system with fuel cell

LUCAS NIETO DEGLIUOMINI; DAVID ZUMOFFEN; MARTA BASUALDO

Mar del Plata

Congreso; 4º CONGRESO NACIONAL - 3º CONGRESO IBEROAMERICANO EN HIDRÓGENO Y FUENTES SUSTENTABLES DE ENERGíA; 2011

CNEA - UTN

In this work the plantwide control design applied to a bioethanol processor system with fuel cell is presented. It is done by using a new systematic and generalized procedure that first solves the problem of obtaining the optimal sensor network. Then, it is integrated to the control strategy that allows keeping the process at the operating point of maximum efficiency even though the disturbances existence. This methodology is focused on finding measurements and a control configuration able of minimizing the net load effect function. It accounts set point as well as disturbances effects which importance is given through specific weighting matrices. This consideration is helpful mainly for evaluating the process interaction on large scale systems. Then, the search involves testing several combinations between available input-output variables. The objective to find a good multivariable controller struture that minimizes the net load effect which calculations are supported by genetic algorithms (GA). The selected control structure is rigorously tested applied in the dynamic model of the complete plant. The simulations are performed for hybrid vehicle (PEM-FC and supercapacitors) application. The disturbance profile corresponds to a urban standard dryving cycle, which is one of the most exigent. The conclusions are based on fuel consumptions, typical performace indexes used in control applications and a trade-off between cost investments and efficiency.