Linear model predictive control of an entrained-flow gasifier for an IGCC power plant

Abstract

In the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC), the stability of the gasifier has strong influences on the rest of the plant as it supplies the feed to the rest of the power generation system. In order to ensure a safe and stable operation of the entrained-flow gasifier and for protection of the gasifier wall from the high internal temperature, the solid slag layer thickness should be regulated tightly but its control is hampered by the lack of on-line measurement for it. In this study, a previously published dynamic simulation model of a Shell-type gasifier is reproduced and two different linear model predictive control strategies are simulated and compared for multivariable control of the entrained-flow gasifier. The first approach is to control a measured secondary variable as a surrogate to the unmeasured slag thickness. The control results of this approach depended strongly on the unmeasured disturbance type. In other words, the slag thickness could not be controlled tightly for a certain type of unmeasured disturbance. The second approach is to estimate the unmeasured slag thickness through the Kalman filter and to use the estimate to predict and control the slag thickness directly. Using the second approach, the slag thickness could be controlled well regardless of the type of unmeasured disturbances.