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http://dx.doi.org/10.3795/KSME-B.2008.32.8.636

Numerical Study on Correlation between Operating Parameters and Reforming Efficiency for a Methane Autothermal Reformer  

Park, Joon-Guen (KAIST 기계공학과)
Lee, Shin-Ku (KAIST 기계공학과)
Lim, Sung-Kwang (KAIST 기계공학과)
Bae, Joong-Myeon (KAIST 기계공학과)
Publication Information
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B / v.32, no.8, 2008 , pp. 636-644 More about this Journal
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to investigate characteristics of an autothermal reformer at various operating conditions. Numerical method has been used, and simulation model has been developed for the analysis. Pseudo-homogeneous model is incorporated because the reactor is filled with catalysts of a packed-bed type. Dominant chemical reactions are Full Combustion reaction, Steam Reforming(SR) reaction, Water-Gas Shift(WGS) reaction, and Direct Steam Reforming(DSR) reaction. Simulation results are compared with experimental results for code validation. Operating parameters of the autothermal reformer are inlet temperature, Oxygen to Carbon Ratio(OCR), Steam to Carbon Ratio(SCR), and Gas Hourly Space Velocity(GHSV). Temperature at the reactor center, fuel conversion, species at the reformer outlet, and reforming efficiency are shown as simulation results. SR reaction rate is improved by increased inlet temperature. Reforming efficiency and fuel conversion reached the maximum at 0.7 of OCR. SR reaction and WGS reaction are activated as SCR increases. When GHSV is increased, reforming efficiency increases but pressure drop from the increased GHSV may decrease the system efficiency.
Keywords
Autothermal Reformer; Reforming Reaction; Hydrogen Production; Fuel Cell;
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