CFD analysis on sorption-enhanced glycerol reforming in a membrane-assisted fluidized bed reactor

Abstract

In this work, a three-dimensional simulation of the sorption-enhanced glycerol reforming (SEGR) process for hydrogen production in a membrane-assisted fluidized bed reactor is carried out by means of the multi-fluid model coupling with chemical kinetics model and membrane separation model. The mutual interaction mechanism of the two enhancing methods including membrane hydrogen separation and carbon dioxide sorption is revealed. The results indicate that the carbon dioxide sorption can hinder the concentration polarization resistance and improve the hydrogen permeation rate while the scope of densified zones is enlarged. Meanwhile, the increase of hydrogen separation degree is also beneficial to the carbon dioxide sorption performance. In addition, the utilization of bi-functional sorbent-catalyst particles can further promote the sorption-enhanced reforming process compared to the conventional two-pellet design.