Analysis of chemical-reaction-coupled mass and heat transport phenomena in a methane reformer duct for PEMFCs

Mass, heat and momentum transport processes are coupled with catalytic chemical reactions in a methane steam reforming duct. It is often found that endothermic and exothermic reactions in the ducts are strongly integrated by heat transfer from adjacent catalytic combustion ducts. In this paper, a three-dimensional calculation method is developed to simulate and analyze reforming reactions of methane, and the effects on various transport processes in a steam reforming duct. The reformer conditions such as mass balances associated with the reforming reactions and gas permeation to/from the porous catalyst reforming layer are applied in the analysis. The predicted results are presented and discussed for a composite duct consisting of a porous catalyst reaction layer, the fuel gas flow duct and solid layers. Parametric studies are conducted to reveal the importance of reformer designs and operating conditions. The results show that the variables, such as porous layer configuration, temperature and catalyst loading, have significant effects on the transport processes and reformer performance.