Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling and Control of Ethanol Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen is a key facilitator of smart energy systems, with applications in power generation, transportation, and industry. This article presents a nonlinear dynamic model of ethanol steam reforming (ESR) within an staged separation membrane reactor (SSMR) and explores its application in real-time control. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is implemented to regulate hydrogen output by adjusting ethanol feed to match a step-wise demand profile. Simulation results confirm the model applicability and control effectiveness. This study demonstrates the potential of advanced modeling for hydrogen-based energy applications, paving the way for future research in advanced control design and broader energy systems integration.