Parametric optimization and control toward the design of a smart metal hydride refueling system

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, we present an extension of the parametric optimization and control (PAROC) framework toward the design of a novel smart metal hydride storage system. Both in silico and laboratory implementation are considered toward a smart prototype system application. In silico PAROC considerations include the development and validation of high‐fidelity model and the derivation of explicit optimal feedback law through the solution of a receding horizon parametric optimization problem formulation. The derived explicit parametric control strategy is validated first in silico then in real time. A laboratory scale metal hydride hydrogen storage system is designed and built as a prototype to replicate the refueling process of a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in a hydrogen gas station. Integration of the explicit model predictive control feedback law into the prototype system creates a smart metal hydride storage technology that can be deployed for onboard hydrogen storage in an FCEV. The results obtained from the real‐time implementation of the explicit feedback law demonstrate an effective thermal management of the refueling operation in a metal hydride system.