Effect of inlet/outlet configuration on performance of methane steam microreformer

Abstract

Fuel cells offer a highly efficient method of generating electricity. Hydrogen is the main feed of Fuel Cells. For hydrogen production, methane micro-reformers has high surface-to-volume ratio. Exploiting all areas of micro reformers is very important. Simulations using Fluent was carried out at 600 °C and 1 atm to find the best arrangement of inlet/outlet and best channel design(flow path). One inlet and two outlets on opposite sides was found as optimal arrangement i.e uniform velocity distribution. Fuel cells offer a highly efficient method of generating electricity. Hydrogen is the main feed of Fuel Cells. For hydrogen production, methane micro-reformers has high surface-to-volume ratio. Exploiting all areas of micro reformers is very important. Simulations using Fluent was carried out at 600 °C and 1 atm to find the best arrangement of inlet/outlet and best channel design(flow path). One inlet and two outlets on opposite sides was found as optimal arrangement i.e uniform velocity distribution.