Controller design for a Marnoch Thermal Energy Conversion generator

This paper presents the design of a discrete event controller for Marnoch Thermal Energy Conversion (MTEC) system test bed for optimization its performance. The controller has been designed with a simulation of the MTE using MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow software. A UML model is developed to analyze inputs and outputs requirements for the controller which drives valves and flow direction between tanks using discrete events and logic analysis. This controller design is intended to allow for increasing complex versions of the MHE as additional tank pairs can be added for efficiency and power output increases. The controller has as inputs the tank pressures and piston position and output valve positions to control the flow of hot and cold water to heat and cool the air masses, and air flow values to control the air mass flows through the piston to convert the termal energy into mechanical energy.