Comprehensive study on hydrogen production via propane steam reforming inside a reactor

In the proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the required hydrogen must be produced in some way. The power generators in the path of these fuel cells generally include a steam reactor that, through other fuels, provides the needed energy to produce hydrogen. This study investigates a steam reactor powered by propane fuel consisting of a shell and tube heat exchanger. The shell contains a catalyst that receives the mixture of propane and steam, and the tubes embedded inside the reformer contain hot gases that provide a suitable substrate for the reaction. Velocity and temperature fields inside the reformer, species concentration control, and reaction rate are studied. The conversion of reactants and yield of products are investigated according to the reaction rate. The results show that the hydrogen production yield can vary from 77.5 % to 92.2 %. The reaction rate can be controlled by the velocity and temperatures of the hot gases. However, for the T=900 K, full propane consumption is achieved at the reformer outlet. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This study investigates a steam reactor powered by propane fuel in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and examines the control of reaction rate by velocity and temperature fields within the reformer. It is found that the reaction rate can be adjusted by the velocity and temperatures of the hot gases, achieving complete propane consumption at a temperature of 900 K.