Master Thesis - Adaptive observer design for reversible solid oxide cell systems

Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany

Updated: 2 months ago

A promising technology investigated at IET-1 is the reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC), which enables the efficient conversion of electrical energy into hydrogen and vice versa. When integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, rSOC systems are exposed to highly dynamic operating conditions that present significant control and operational challenges. In particular, the trade-off between fast load following capabilities and efficient long-term operation for increased lifetime poses a significant challenge.

In previous works, conventional control approaches were experimentally investigated, and a dynamic system model was developed. A key step towards the realization of advanced control strategies is the development of a state observer. The nonlinear characteristics of the system, as well as the time-varying behavior caused by degradation effects, represent major challenges. Based on these foundations, a state observer must be designed and tailored to meet the demanding requirements of the control system. This task requires interdisciplinary collaboration and offers the opportunity to contribute to state-of-the-art research at the intersection of control engineering, system dynamics, and sustainable energy technologies.

Your responsibilities within the team:

  • Literature review and familiarization with rSOC, with focus on operation and degradation as well as existing data and experimental setup
  • Literature review on dynamic modeling (system identification), observer design   and comparison of existing observer strategies for rSOC
  • Development of model-based observer strategies for temperature distribution and other important variables for control. Validation on experimental and simulation data
  • Integration of adaptive features into the observer strategy regarding degradation mechanisms
  • Analysis of results: Potential comparison of different observer strategies regarding performance, adaptability and real-time applicability. Opportunity to contribute to a scientific publication

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