Integrated methanol reforming and oxidation in wash-coated microreactors: A three-dimensional simulation

A microreactor consisting of two parallel channels is numerically simulated where methanol steam reforming takes place in one channel, and the required heat is supplied by methanol oxidation in the other channel. Effects of different parameters on methanol conversion, hydrogen yield and CO concentration are examined. Results from the parametric study are then used to propose conditions for high methanol conversion and hydrogen yield. A microreactor with enhanced output conditions is thus designed which is capable of producing a gas stream consisting of 74% hydrogen (dry). CO concentration in the generated synthesis gas stream is low enough to require only a PROX reactor for CO clean-up, eliminating the need for a bulky water–gas shift reactor. The produced hydrogen from an assembly of such microreactors can feed a low-power PEM fuel cell. A cluster of these microreactors would take a volume of about 91 cm3 to feed a typical 30-watt PEM fuel cell.

► A three-dimensional model for integrated methanol steam reforming and oxidation in microreactors. ► Increasing GHSV or MeOH feed rate in OX channel boosts MeOH conversion and H2 yield in SR channel. ► Higher GHSV in SR channel decreases both MeOH conversion and H2 yield. ► Increasing catalyst loading or reactor length raises both MeOH conversion and H2 yield. ► Conditions proposed to enhance reactor performance: high MeOH conversion and H2 yield, low CO level achieved.