A study on fuel reforming waste heat recovery engine system fueled with methane

In this study, the potential for improving the thermal efficiency of a waste heat recovery engine system by fuel reforming was investigated. Steam methane reforming was focused because of its endothermic reactions. The effects of engine operating conditions on the exhaust gas temperature and heat were examined experimentally. The effects of the conditions of steam methane reforming on methane conversion, and the increase in the heating value of the reformed gas were investigated by equilibrium calculations. The heat balance of the system was also analyzed. The parameters affecting the thermal efficiency of the system and the conditions for maximizing the waste heat recovery effect were quantitatively identified. The effects of the temperature-efficiency ratios of heat exchangers on the thermal efficiency of the system were also evaluated for practical applications.

Automated summary

This study investigates the potential for improving the thermal efficiency of a waste heat recovery engine system through fuel reforming, focusing on steam methane reforming due to its endothermic reactions. The effects of engine operating conditions on exhaust gas temperature and heat were experimentally examined, while equilibrium calculations were used to investigate the effects of steam methane reforming conditions on methane conversion and the heating value of the reformed gas. The heat balance of the system was analyzed and parameters for optimizing thermal efficiency and maximizing waste heat recovery were identified. The influence of temperature-efficiency ratios of heat exchangers on the system's thermal efficiency for practical applications was also evaluated.