Model-based optimization of hydrogen generation by methane steam reforming in autothermal packed-bed membrane reformer

TY - JOUR

T1 - Model-based optimization of hydrogen generation by methane steam reforming in autothermal packed-bed membrane reformer

AU - Simakov, David S.A.

AU - Sheintuch, Moshe

PY - 2011/2

Y1 - 2011/2

N2 - An autothermal membrane reformer comprising two separated compartments, a methane oxidation catalytic bed and a methane steam reforming bed, which hosts hydrogen separation membranes, is optimized for hydrogen production by steam reforming of methane to power a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack. Capitalizing on recent experimental demonstrations of hydrogen production in such a reactor, we develop here an appropriate model, validate it with experimental data and then use it for the hydrogen generation optimization in terms of the reformer efficiency and power output. The optimized reformer, with adequate hydrogen separation area, optimized exothermic-to-endothermic feed ratio and reduced heat losses, is shown to be capable to fuel kW-range PEMFC stacks, with a methane-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of up to 0.8. This is expected to provide an overall methane-to-electric power efficiency of a combined reformer-fuel cell unit of ~0.5. Recycling of steam reforming effluent to the oxidation bed for combustion of unreacted and unseparated compounds is expected to provide an additional efficiency gain.

AB - An autothermal membrane reformer comprising two separated compartments, a methane oxidation catalytic bed and a methane steam reforming bed, which hosts hydrogen separation membranes, is optimized for hydrogen production by steam reforming of methane to power a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack. Capitalizing on recent experimental demonstrations of hydrogen production in such a reactor, we develop here an appropriate model, validate it with experimental data and then use it for the hydrogen generation optimization in terms of the reformer efficiency and power output. The optimized reformer, with adequate hydrogen separation area, optimized exothermic-to-endothermic feed ratio and reduced heat losses, is shown to be capable to fuel kW-range PEMFC stacks, with a methane-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of up to 0.8. This is expected to provide an overall methane-to-electric power efficiency of a combined reformer-fuel cell unit of ~0.5. Recycling of steam reforming effluent to the oxidation bed for combustion of unreacted and unseparated compounds is expected to provide an additional efficiency gain.

KW - Autothermal reformer

KW - Fuel cells

KW - Hydrogen

KW - Membrane reactor

KW - Methane steam reforming

KW - Optimization

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78650968465&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/aic.12265

DO - 10.1002/aic.12265

M3 - 文章

AN - SCOPUS:78650968465

SN - 0001-1541

VL - 57

SP - 525

EP - 541

JO - AICHE Journal

JF - AICHE Journal

IS - 2

ER -