Modeling and analysis for enhanced hydrogen production in process simulation of methanol reforming

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hydrogen has emerged as the most suitable fuel for a nation’s greener and sustainable development. In contrast, the feedstock and hydrogen production methods remain a concern for environmental pollution. This study uses methanol as the feedstock for hydrogen production via a low-temperature methanol-reforming process. A simulation model was developed in Aspen Hysys, where an equilibrium reactor is used in the reforming process, and examined the effects of parameters like temperature, pressure, and Methanol-to-Water (M-to-W) molar ratio. Hydrogen mole fraction and selectivity increase by roughly 18.5% and 10.5% when the reaction temperature increases from 100°C to 400°C. At the same time, the methanol conversion rate reaches 95% at 400°C. Reactor pressure shows inverse effects where pressure rises from 1 atm. to 7 atm. that reduces hydrogen mole fraction and selectivity by about 10% and 6%, and a similar reduction of 5% is noticed in the methanol conversion rate. M-to-W molar ratio plays a crucial role in the reaction pathway and the M-to-W ratio between 0.5 and 1.5 at 400°C and 1 atm. reactor pressure showed the highest hydrogen mole fraction (>0.57) and a maximum methanol conversion rate (>90%). Therefore, the present simulation model successfully determines the impacts of various parameters to help design a commercial plant for large-scale hydrogen production via the reforming process.