Numerical investigation of porous surface parameters on the performance of micro-channel reactor for hydrogen production by methanol steam reforming

Abstract

To enhance the energy conversion of a micro-channel reactor with a porous surface for hydrogen production, the effects of structural parameters of the porous surface (surface area ratio, ratio of depth-diameter and distribution of pores) on the comprehensive performance of the reactor are numerically investigated. The CFD model is established to simulate the process of hydrogen production in the micro-channel reactor with a porous surface. Then, a series of numerical simulations with different structural parameters of porous surface are carried out. The distribution fields of flow rate, temperature, pressure and gas concentration can be obtained through the numerical analysis. Results indicate that with the increase of surface area ratio, the methanol conversion and hydrogen production rate is greatly improved, while the ratio of depth-diameter and distribution of pores have little effect on the performance. When the reaction temperature is 290 °C, the methanol conversion rate of the micro-channel reactor with a porous surface can reach above 90%.