Fuel Cell Reformer Design

Karel A. Schenele (8 May 2006)

Fuel cells are a viable low polluting and sustainable alternative energy source.  They require a reformer to convert a fuel source, like methane, to hydrogen for operation.  The purpose of this report is to develop a final project for a control class.  This report explains how a system differential of equations modeling pertinent steam reformer temperatures was converted to a linear state space model that can be manipulated in Simulink for the development of a control strategy.  This report develops a multivariable IMC-based PID controller to provide quick response to setpoint changes and disturbances for a steam reformer.  It outlines the SISO controller development and uses a relative gain array analysis to correctly pair the multivariable control loops.  The multivariable control strategy was then subjected to an SVD analysis to determine the directional sensitivity of the system.  This control system is adequate in setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection but the system itself has a limited range of directions it can move in.