Multi-objective optimal control of a steam reformer solid oxide fuel cell system

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system that utilizes hydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas, methane, is a promising distributed generator in the future. Designing an efficient system control strategy to realize the stability, high efficiency and long life of SOFC system is an urgent issue for its application currently. In this paper, an optimal control strategy is proposed for steam reformer SOFC system to achieve multiple objectives of load following, thermal safety and high efficiency, based on a validated high-fidelity system model that coincide with a real prototype system. Firstly, the dynamic and static thermo-electrical coupling characteristics and control issues of the steam reformer SOFC system are detailed analyzed, and then the controller based on generalized predictive control (GPC) algorithm is developed satisfying the multi-constraint, strong coupling and large time delay characteristics. hi addition, based on a Hardware-in-loop experimental test platform, the application feasibility of the controller is verified on the embedded system. The results show that the controller can not only control the system to track the target power quickly, but also ensure multiple temperature constraints and effectively improve the system efficiency, which provides the basis for further system physical experiment test.