A novel approach to improve the mathematical modelling of the internal reforming process for solid oxide fuel cells using the orthogonal least squares method

•Experimental study of kinetics of the methane/steam reforming on Ni/YSZ catalyst.•Problem analysis with the generalized least squares (GLS) method.•Numerical modelling using kinetics equation modified by GLS method.•GLS method provides most probable approximation of unknown empirical parameters.•Evaluation of the errors and securing higher accuracy of unknowns and measurements.

This paper presents a novel approach to experimental and numerical investigations of the methane/steam reforming reaction process over a nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia fine powder catalyst. Methane/steam reforming is primarily considered as a hydrogen production process for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, and therefore its reaction kinetic was investigated experimentally and numerically. The present paper describes the innovative implementation of an orthogonal least squares (generalized least squares: GLS) algorithm for the calculation of the reaction kinetics involving precise information and the uncertainties of the obtained results. The GLS method was applied to evaluate the reaction rate and therefore fractional conversion of methane. An analysis of the mathematical model points out that the experimental inaccuracy could be reduced and allowed for the calculation of the most probable values of kinetic parameters and their uncertainties. The GLS method secures a higher accuracy of measured data and estimates the most probable value of all model parameters.