Ceramic Microchannel Heat Exchanger and Reactor for SOFC Applications

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design, fabrication, and performance of novel ceramic microchannel reactors in heat-exchanger and fuel-reforming applications. Reactor design is based on the results of computational fluid mechanics simulations so that uniform fluid flow and thermal gradients are observed across the reactor body. Reactors are fabricated by CoorsTek, Inc. as four-layer Pressure Laminated Integrated Structures using 94% Al2O3 materials. The cost-effective PLIS fabrication produces a single ceramic body with internal microchannels and manifolding. High-temperature performance of the ceramic microchannel reactor is measured through non-reactive heat-exchanger experiments. After coating rhodium catalyst materials over two of the four reactor layers, use of the ceramic microchannel reactor in fuel-processing applications is demonstrated through catalytic partial oxidation of butanol. While significant syngas formation is demonstrated, further work is necessary to improve reforming conditions, increase the selectivity to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and integrate the microchannel reactor with a tail-gas combustor.

A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Management in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Focus on Burners, Heat Exchangers, and Strategies

“…Significant advancements have been achieved in SOFC heat exchanger research, including material studies [64,65], design and optimization [66,67], performance evaluation, durability research, as well as integration and system optimization. These studies aim to address issues related to temperature control, heat recovery, durability, and overall system performance, thereby driving the continuous development and commercial application of SOFC technology.…”

“…Tanozzi et al [71] developed a model to calculate key characteristics of heat exchangers, providing design guidelines for rectangular small channel heat exchangers (Figure 4b). Murphy et al [67] introduced the design, manufacturing, and performance of a novel ceramic microchannel reactor for heat exchangers and fuel reforming applications (Figure 4c). The study employed the PINCH technique to design a heat exchanger network for ethanol-fueled SOFC systems.…”

Investigation of the Blockage Conditions in a Laminated‐Sheet Microchannel Reactor

“…Reuse et al developed a double‐sheet microchannel reactor by alternately stacking two mirror symmetrical microchannel sheets, in which an endothermic reaction of methanol steam reforming and an exothermic reaction of methanol oxidation could be carried out simultaneously. Murphy et al integrated the function of a heat exchanger and catalytic reaction into a new four‐sheet ceramic microchannel reactor by alternately stacking the reactive and non‐reactive sheets, which could effectively improve the hydrogen and carbon monoxide selectivity.…”