Abstract

This study focuses on the control of dimethyl ether (DME) autothermal reforming (ATR) process integrated with proton exchange membrane fuel cells to provide adequate external power for an on-board reformer hydrogen vehicle. ATR reaction was made over Pd–Zn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, which provides higher selectivity to the hydrogen due to its good oxidation and reforming activities. Catalyst activity was tested experimentally by varying the temperature. The hydrogen volume fraction is close to 45% at the optimal temperature of 400 °C. The objective of the process control scheme was to control the ATR reactor's temperature and the hydrogen production rate. A combination of the feedforward control and the closed-loop control (based on PID control) was applied wherein the DME, and air flow rates were adjusted automatically, and steam was supplied excessively to promote reactions. Due to its good oxidation and reforming activity, it had a high selectivity to hydrogen. The experimental results showed that the volume fraction of hydrogen in the hydrogen-rich gas is close to 45% at the optimum temperature of 400 °C. The control strategy could ensure that the hydrogen production rate changed with the change of fuel cell load and did not affect the temperature of the autothermal reformer. In this way, the stable operation of the reformer was realized, and the fuel cell had a sufficient supply of hydrogen.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.