The definition of entropy production metric with application in passivity-based control of thermodynamic systems

Authors

Zhe Dong, Junyi Li, Zuoyi Zhang, Yujie Dong, Xiaojin Huang

Abstract

Thermodynamic system dynamics exhibit strong nonlinearity and high uncertainty. If a simple control law can effectively regulate the thermodynamic systems, it will substantially reduce the complexity of engineering implementation, commissioning, and maintenance. While passivity-based control has been successfully applied to mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic systems using energy as a storage function, thermodynamic systems require a different approach due to the non-convex characteristics of their internal energy function. This research defines the entropy production metric and proposes the port-Hamilton realization of the thermodynamic system dynamics. By using the second-order difference of entropy production metric as the storage function, the extended-state passivity-based control is proposed. The control leverages the principle of irreversible thermodynamics that entropy production reaches a minimum at the steady state, ensuring the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system. The method is applied to design the power-level control law of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, providing a new perspective on managing thermodynamic system dynamics. Furthermore, the research reveals the impact of control gain on control performance, offering insights for control strategy optimization.

Keywords

Thermodynamic system; Entropy production metric; Passivity-based control; Port-Hamiltonian form; Nuclear

Citation

• Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 209
• Issue:
• Pages: 115065
• Publisher: Elsevier BV
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115065

BibTeX

@article{Dong_2025,
  title={{The definition of entropy production metric with application in passivity-based control of thermodynamic systems}},
  volume={209},
  ISSN={1364-0321},
  DOI={10.1016/j.rser.2024.115065},
  journal={Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews},
  publisher={Elsevier BV},
  author={Dong, Zhe and Li, Junyi and Zhang, Zuoyi and Dong, Yujie and Huang, Xiaojin},
  year={2025},
  pages={115065}
}

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