| dc.description.abstract | A 1-dimensional dynamic state simulation model has been developed to study methanol steam reforming reaction in a micro-channel reactor heated using a heating plate. Conversion and temperature profiles along the length of the micro-channel and with respect to time have been investigated. Firstly, the effect of material of construction of the micro-channel reactor on the open loop dynamic responses for conversion and temperature were investigated. Secondly, state space models for conversion were derived for 3 different materials of construction (Stainless steel 316, Silicon and Aluminum). A proportional integral (PI) controller using a Hammerstein model is used to study the closed loop dynamic response for the state space model. Also, the effect of varying the controller parameters on the response times of the system has been investigated. Finally, the partial differential equations (PDE) model is used to run the closed loop simulations using a PI controller with Hammerstein model and the results of the state space model and the PDE model are compared. All simulations were carried out using MATLAB R2016a®. The results obtained showed that settling time of around 10 seconds to 30 seconds can be achieved in the micro-reactors when using a PI controller in closed loop. Silicon showed the best settling times out of the three materials considered in this research. | en |
