Experimental investigation on biogas reforming to hydrogen rich syngas production using solar energy

In the present study catalytic reforming of biogas was investigated to produce hydrogen rich syngas using solar energy source. The main objective of this work is to upgrade the quality of biogas using solar thermal energy. A foam type Ni based Al2O3 catalyst reactor was designed and developed for the catalytic reforming of biogas. Since dry reforming reaction of biogas being endothermic reaction, a 16 m(2) solar concentrating collector was employed for supplying this heat. The performance of the reactor in terms of product gas composition at different temperatures using solar thermal energy was analysed. The results of the reforming reaction of biogas using solar energy have shown the conversion of both CH4 and CO2 into H-2 and CO. The experimental results were compared with thermodynamic chemical equilibrium analysis. The flame study of biogas and syngas was done with gas samples. The in situ production of hydrogen rich syngas can also address the issue of hydrogen storage. The hydrogen rich syngas can be used in I. C. engine, fuel cell and methanol production applications. (C) Copyright 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.