Analysis of heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions for hydrogen production

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions. Design/methodology/approach A two-dimensional model is developed to study the heat and mass transport characteristics in microchannel reactors. The heat and mass transport processes in the microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distribution in the catalytic combustion channel are also studied. Findings The simulated results are compared in terms of the distributions of species mole fraction, temperature and reaction rate for the conventional and new designed reactors. It is found that the chemical reaction, heat and mass transport processes are significantly affected and the maximum temperature in the reactor is also greatly reduced when a non-uniform catalyst distribution is applied in the combustion catalyst layer. Practical implications This study can improve the understanding of the transportation characteristics in microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions and provide guidance for the design of microchannel reactors. Originality/value The design of microchannel reactors with non-uniform catalyst distributions can be used in methane steam reforming to reduce the maximum temperature inside the reactor.

A Parametric Study on the Interconnector of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells for Co-Electrolysis of Water and Carbon Dioxide

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Non-Newtonian Characteristics of Water Flow in Microchannels

“…Many research works have been conducted to study the rheophysical properties of the fluid flow in microchannels theoretically and experimentally. The works (1)(2)(3) examined the theories of the hydrocarbon flow through the microchannels, while the works (4,5) realized the set of the experiments to study the fluid flow peculiarities in the microchannels. Different assumptions and ideas have been stated to clarify the reason of the rheophysical phenomena of the fluid behaviour in microchannels.…”

Effect of catalyst distribution in the combustion catalytic layer on heat and mass transport characteristics of the microchannel reactor

“…Hydrogen energy has the characteristics of high efficiency, cleanliness, green and sustainable development and is considered a reliable energy source for fuel cells (Chen et al , 2020a; Dawood et al , 2020; Li et al , 2020; Mauro et al , 2010; Peng et al , 2020; Shen et al , 2019). The hydrogen production from methane and alcohols has natural advantages over other fuels in terms of transportation economy and safety, especially in terms of volume energy density (Li et al , 2022; Palo et al , 2007; Park et al , 2020; Yong et al , 2013). The corresponding studies on catalysts, reactors, and thermo-chemical recuperation were comprehensively summarized by Abbas et al (2024).…”