Sliding mode control of hydrogen production via autothermal reforming of methanol

This paper focuses on control of hydrogen production via autothermal reforming of methanol. Owing to uncertainty of model parameters, a sliding mode controller is designed for regulating hydrogen yield by manipulating methanol flow and water flow. Theoretical analysis and simulations demonstrate its adaptability to shifts of model parameters. In addition, a variable ratio controller is proposed in order to achieve a steady reforming temperature, in which the reforming air is employed as manipulated variable. Finally, the effectiveness of this control strategy is verified through experiments.