Economic MPC for optimised integration of modular, heterogeneous electrolysis with DRI plants

11 May 2026, 17:59
1m
Poster Presentation EEC 4.B Integration of renewable energy sources in electric steelmaking Poster session

Speaker

Mr Nelu Sprater (BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg)

Description

Hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore offers the highest potential for decarbonising primary steel production, yet remains economically challenging due to high electricity costs, volatile renewable electricity supply, and limitations of current electrolysis technologies. Existing studies have explored modular and heterogeneous electrolysis layouts, but few operational strategies exist for fully integrated optimisation of electrolysis, H₂ storage, and the steelmaking process, leaving flexibility and economic viability insufficiently addressed. Building on this review, we propose a hierarchical economic MPC framework co-ordinating AEL, PEMEL, and HTEL units, the H₂ storage, the direct reduction shaft furnace, and the EAF, while considering volatility of renewable electricity generation, on-site power generation, and production planning, to enable flexible, cost-efficient, and reliable hydrogen supply for industrial-scale hydrogen-based ironmaking.

Speaker Company/University BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg
Speaker Country Germany

Author

Mr Nelu Sprater (BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg)

Co-author

Prof. Lars Röntzsch (BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg)

Presentation materials

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