Detailed numerical simulation is an important tool for the analysis, development and optimization of new reactor systems. In this contribution results of steady-state and dynamic simulations of a hydrogen production system for mobile applications based on gasoline are presented. The system consists of an autothermal reformer, a high temperature shift reactor and a countercurrent heat exchanger for heat integration. The simulations are based on 1-D, multiphase, dynamic models, which are solved with the simulation tool PDEX-Pack. Firstly steady-state and dynamic simulations of the autothermal reformer alone are presented. Concentration and temperature profiles in the reformer under different operation conditions are discussed and possibilities to improve the performance are assessed. Dynamic simulations of load change and cold start show the fast dynamic response of the reformer due to its low thermal mass. Simulations of the coupled system underline the impact of the heat exchanger design for the system performance, especially under dynamic conditions. Finally dynamic simulations of a possible cold start strategy for the system are discussed.
Autothermal reforming (ATR) combines endothermic (viz. steam reforming) with exothermic (viz. partial oxidation) processes. This chapter comments on the differences between the various reforming technologies, their advantages and drawbacks in different application areas and on the use of the terminology ATR as it is used in the literature. The influence of reaction parameters like air stoichiometry, steam content and preheating temperature on the autothermal process is discussed based on simulations and experimental results. An overview of the development of autothermal processes starting in the 1970s up to recent progress in this field is given.
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