NMPC for Setpoint Tracking Operation of a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell System

Conference · Mon Jan 09 23:00:00 EST 2023

OSTI ID:1964151

Allan, Douglas ^[1]; Dabadghao, Vibhav ^[2]; Li, Mingrui ^[2]; Eslick, John ^[1]; Ma, Jinliang N. ^[1]; Bhattacharyya, Debangsu ^[3]; Zitney, Steve ^[4]; Biegler, Lorenz ^[2]

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1. NETL Site Support Contractor, National Energy Technology Laboratory
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
3. West Virginia University (WVU)
4. NETL

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are a promising technology to generate hydrogen through water electrolysis. However, intermittent renewable energy requires SOECs to transition between hydrogen production setpoints as the price of electricity fluctuates. A well-functioning control system is important to avoid cell degradation during setpoint tracking operation. In this work, we apply nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to an SOEC module and supporting equipment and compare NMPC performance to classical PI control while ramping between hydrogen production setpoints. We find that these control methods provide similar performance in many metrics, but NMPC significantly reduces cell thermal gradients during the setpoint transition.

• Research Organization: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
• OSTI ID: 1964151
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English