Thermodynamic modelling of dimethyl ether steam reforming

Abstract

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy strategy that can be obtained from the steam reforming of hydrogen-rich materials such as dimethyl ether (DME). In this study, the results of thermodynamic analysis of DME steam reforming were utilised as a framework for the development of correlations for predicting percentage molar yield of each species given a known set of inputs. Response surface methodology—historical data design was used for the work. The effect of temperature, pressure and steam to carbon ratio was shown to be significant in the process. Combinatorial effects of factors and the yield of various chemical species in the product stream were elucidated. The key contribution of this paper is the development of model predictors of all chemical species in the steam reforming of DME. All models developed were shown to be significant. These can afford for quick predictions given a known set of process inputs and can play an important role in the design of DME reforming systems.