Real live demonstration of MPC for a power-to-gas plant

A linear model predictive controller is successfully used in a field trial to optimise the operation of the power-to-gas unit in the presence of network restrictions and time varying electric prices. The impact of imperfect forecasts as well as deviations between the optimisation model and the real unit on controller performance are discussed. In the final part of the paper the lessons learned, improvements and potential solutions for integrating power-to-gas units into urban energy systems are presented. Additionally a modular controller design framework is introduced, which allows a rapid control development by interchanging historic time-series data with real-time values and simulation models with real components. In a separate testing sequence the power-to-gas unit is characterised regarding its dynamic properties, showing its potential for fast response, but also limitations in ramp-rates, tracking accuracy and losses due to warm stand-by.