Effects of reaction chamber geometry on the performance and heat/mass transport phenomenon for a cylindrical methanol steam reformer

Shiang-Wuu Perng, Rong-Fang Horng and Hui-Wen Ku

Applied Energy, 2013, vol. 103, issue C, 317-327

Abstract: This study utilizes the SIMPLE-C algorithm and Arrhenius form of reaction model to simulate the three-dimensional laminar flow field and the reaction in a cylindrical methanol reformer under steam reforming. Then the effect of geometrical and thermo-fluid parameters on the heat and mass transfer, the methanol conversion as well as the performance of hydrogen production in a cylindrical methanol reformer with a specified volume of catalyst bed will be investigated in the present study. The results indicate that the smaller diameter-to-length ratio (D/L) of reformer with a larger catalyst bed thickness (LCB) enhances the methanol conversion and hydrogen production, in which, the best methanol conversion efficiency of 85.49% and hydrogen concentration of 48% (in wet base) were obtained at LCB=15mm (D/L=0.08), porosity ε=0.3, and wall temperature equal to 300°C. Furthermore, the increase of the inlet fuel temperature improves the hydrogen production. That is, when the inlet temperature is 140°C, high hydrogen concentration of 55% (in wet base) of was achieved.

Keywords: Methanol reforming; Reaction chamber; Catalyst bed; Hydrogen production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.09.045

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