Low Temperature Solar-driven Biogas Steam Reforming in a Membrane Reactor

Jianqi Shen,Yali Yao,Xinying Liu,R Weerasinghe,C.-H Weng,J Wu

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202019402009

Abstract

A prototype for a low temperature solar-driven biogas steam reforming process was designed by coupling a hydrogen selective membrane reactor and linear Fresnel collector technology. To verify the prototype, the membrane reactor model was established by using ASPEN Plus and was studied using a modelled biogas in the temperature range 450 to 500oC. The methane conversion was significantly enhanced by applying the H2 selective membrane. Based on the actual Direct Normal Irradiation in South Africa, the capability of linear Fresnel collector was verified for the required heat duty in this study, which varying from 90.1 to 366.4 kW/m2. This novel work constitutes a reference study for new developments with reactor designs and solar energy application in biogas steam reforming processes.

Highlights

There is growing interest in hydrogen as a promising energy carrier, because of its high calorific value and pollution-free character as fuel. [1] One of the synthesis routes of hydrogen production is steam reforming using natural gas, alcohols, biogas, etc. as feedstock. [2]Biogas is produced in anaerobic digesters and normally consists of 50-75% of CH4 in mole, 25-45% of CO2 in mole and tiny amount of H2O, N2, H2, O2, H2S. [3]Compared to other raw materials, biogas is regarded as a renewable and sustainable energy resource
These results indicate that the linear Fresnel collector (LFC) technology may be capable to supply the required energy for the biogas steam reforming process
A configuration by integrating the LFC and the membrane reactor was designed for a prototype of a low temperature solar-driven biogas steam reforming process

Summary

Introduction

There is growing interest in hydrogen as a promising energy carrier, because of its high calorific value and pollution-free character as fuel. [1] One of the synthesis routes of hydrogen production is steam reforming using natural gas, alcohols, biogas, etc. as feedstock. [2]. Because of its strongly endothermic nature, the route using solar radiation as the energy source for biogas steam reforming is considered promising. Low temperature steam methane reforming conducted below 500 oC using nickel-based catalyst has been reported. According to Nieva’s study [11], methane steam reforming was conducted stably at a low temperature, as sintering on the catalyst surface was not found. [13] the MR is advised to the low temperature biogas steam reforming process. Integration of the LFC and the MR holds promising route for the application of solar-driven biogas steam reforming. A low temperature solar-driven biogas steam reforming process was designed and conducted in a prototype apparatus that integrated the LFC with the MR.

Prototype description and modelling

Results and discussion

Conclusion