Dynamic optimization of electrochemical reactors for the exact optimal control of consecutive electrochemical reactions

The kinetics, mass transfer, surface dynamics and double layer charging of consecutive electrochemical reactions have been investigated so as to set up a complete formulation and dynamic optimization of its performance in batch electrochemical reactors. The dynamic optimization problem statements are exclusively put together to represent the behavior of both Faradaic and non-Faradaic processes and consequently the formulated dynamic problems have been solved using the maximum principle. The results of applying the optimal time-varying profiles of electrode potential are compared between the two different modes of batch electrochemical reactor and also with those resulting from the tradition-operating style of these reactors. Despite the effect due to double layer charging, an enhanced selectivity result has been obtained even in the presence of significant mass transfer resistance by determining the best transient operating profile of control variable. Besides these, this paper also discusses on the methodology of dynamic optimization in continuous stirred tank and plug flow electrochemical reactors. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.