Dynamic modeling and control structure design of an experimental fuel processor

In this work, a dynamic model is developed to describe an experimental methane fuel processor which is intended to provide hydrogen for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) for power generation (2–3 kWe). First-principle reactor models were constructed to describe dynamic behavior for a series of reactions, starting from reforming (SR/ATR), to high- and low-temperature water gas shift reactions (HTS/LTS), and then to preferential oxidation (PROX) reactions. A systematic procedure is proposed to identify dynamic-relevant model parameters, and reasonable behavior description can be obtained. Finally, two plantwide control structures, on-demand structure and on-supply structure are designed and the performance of these two control structures is evaluated for load disturbance rejection. The results indicate that the on-demand control structure gives a rapid transition to different power demands.