(277d) Multi-Dimensional Modeling of Inductively-Heatedsteam Methane Reforming Reactor

Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) accounts for 50% of the global H₂ production. Due to its endothermic property, heat source is required during production process. Current industrially used conventional SMR reactors employ a tube-furnace design. Extra methane (natural gas) is combusted for heat supply, leading to 1.7% of the total CO₂ emissions. To decarbonize the reactor, induction heating induced by alternating current has been investigated as a potential alternative. While lab-scale inductively heated reactors have been demonstrated, this study focuses on analytically and numerically characterizing the performance of such a reactor and evaluating its potential for industrial use. We propose a dynamic multi-dimensional heterogeneous mathematical model of an inductively heated SMR reactor. The 2D-1D model is based on the 1^st principle, with the reactor domain considering longitudinal and radial directions, while the catalyst domain considers radial direction. Electromagnetic heat including both eddy current and hysteresis heat from NiCo alloy acts as heat source instead of combustion. The model is solved using the finite volume method. Methane conversions under different flow rates are compared with literature lab-scale experimental results. The designed model is used for scale-up, and a detailed computational fluid dynamics simulation is performed. Finally, environmental analyses including power consumption, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction are quantified.

Overall, our study contributes to the decarbonization of conventional hydrogen production and provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system as reference for an endothermic reaction.