Multi-scale reduced-order models of electrified wire reactors for carrying-out endothermic reactions

Abstract

In chemical manufacturing applications with endothermic reactions, the heat of reaction is supplied by burning fossil fuels. Electrified reactors are one of the enticing alternatives to the traditional configurations where heating can be achieved via renewable power, leading to reduced or net-zero CO2 emissions. In this work, we consider flow-through wire-based electrified reactors and develop reduced order model (ROM) for this configuration. The ROM is expressed in terms of multiple concentration and temperature modes that are coupled with various local property dependent transfer coefficients. Steam methane reforming is selected as an example to demonstrate the utility of ROM and reactor configuration for such processes. We present a detailed sensitivity study with respect to space time and feed temperature. In addition, we also investigate the effect of power supply on the reactor performance and compare with the existing literature results. Finally, we provide physical interpretation of the ROM, describe some special cases, and discuss its applicability for other electrified reactor configurations.