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Effect of a diffuser on performance enhancement of a cylindrical methanol steam reformer by computational fluid dynamic analysis

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  • Perng, Shiang-Wuu
  • Horng, Rong-Fang
  • Wu, Horng-Wen

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) connected with a methanol steam reformer designed to enhance its performance is considered asa promising future power source. Enhancing the performance of a cylindrical methanol steam reformer due to diffuser effects was then investigated applying three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics by the SIMPLE-C algorithm and an Arrhenius form of reaction model. The effect of the angle and length of the diffuser, and wall temperature have been explored on heat and fluid flow, methanol conversion, hydrogen production, carbon monoxide reduction, as well as estimated net power of fuel cell with the same catalyst volume and entrance condition in a cylindrical methanol steam reformer. The results indicate that the diffuser obviously enhances methanol conversion and hydrogen production of a cylindrical methanol steam reformer. In comparison with a traditional reformer, the reformer with a diffuser of θd=6° and Ld=75mm obtains the maximum enhancement of 22.96% in methanol conversion, 44.62% in hydrogen production, and 24.59% in estimated net power of fuel cell at wall temperature of 250°C. In addition, the novel reformer with a diffuser of θd=9° and Ld=100mm generates the maximum reduction of 44.17% in CO production at TW=250°C.

Suggested Citation

  • Perng, Shiang-Wuu & Horng, Rong-Fang & Wu, Horng-Wen, 2017. "Effect of a diffuser on performance enhancement of a cylindrical methanol steam reformer by computational fluid dynamic analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 312-328.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:206:y:2017:i:c:p:312-328
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.08.194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Perng, Shiang-Wuu & Wu, Horng-Wen, 2015. "A three-dimensional numerical investigation of trapezoid baffles effect on non-isothermal reactant transport and cell net power in a PEMFC," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 81-95.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Perng, Shiang-Wuu & Wu, Horng-Wen, 2022. "Influence of inlet-nozzle and outlet-diffuser mounted in the plate-shape reactor on PEMFC net power output and methanol steam reforming performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
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    5. Gu, Rong & Ding, Jing & Wang, Yarong & Yuan, Qinquan & Wang, Weilong & Lu, Jianfeng, 2019. "Heat transfer and storage performance of steam methane reforming in tubular reactor with focused solar simulator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233, pages 789-801.
    6. Li, Na & Cui, Xiaoti & Zhu, Jimin & Zhou, Mengfan & Liso, Vincenzo & Cinti, Giovanni & Sahlin, Simon Lennart & Araya, Samuel Simon, 2023. "A review of reformed methanol-high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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