Thermodynamics and Kinetics Analysis of Gasoline Reforming Assisted by Arc Discharge

Abstract

Onboard hydrogen production out of hydrocarbons for fuel cells is subject to problems when using traditional catalytic reformers. High device weight, a relatively long transient time, and catalyst poisoning all serve to make their integration in a vehicle complex. In response to these challenges, reforming processes based on cold plasma have been recently implemented . This paper presents a theoretical analysis of hydrogen production out of gasoline assisted by arc discharge. A wide range of O/C and H2O/C ratios (including partial oxidation and pure steam reforming) have been investigated, together with different forms of injected power and reactor conditions. Both thermodynamic equilibrium and kinetic calculations (e.g., perfectly stirred reactor, plug flow reactor) were performed. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations provide theoretical upper limits of the process via input parameters, while the kinetic computations provide a more realistic estimation of both output composition and process efficiency.

Three-Dimensional Unsteady MHD Modeling of a Low-Current High-Voltage Nontransferred DC Plasma Torch Operating With Air

“…The tip electrode, on which a positive electrical potential is applied, being the anode whereas the cylinder electrode is grounded and acts as the cathode. Indeed, previous works have demonstrated this configuration was the most suitable for low current systems [30].…”

“…The high degree of non-equilibrium of this torch is promising for chemical applications to support chemical reactions selectively [26], but suffer from a lack of knowledge of its physics and chemistry. Our researches led to the development of basic knowledge on both experimental [27], [28] and numerical [29], [30] sides. Unfortunately, whereas many studies have been dedicated to high current plasma discharges, the literature on MHD modeling of low current -high voltage plasma torches is very poor and the domain remains almost unexplored.…”

Influence of a Gas Injection Direction on the Reforming Performance in a Bipolar Pulse-Driven Plasma Reactor Operating at Atmospheric Pressure

“…It has been reported in experiments [11,13] and simulations [16,18] of conventional arc reformers that the conversion rate continuously increases with the O 2 /C ratio, whereas an increase in conversion rate does not guarantee an improvement in reforming efficiency. This occurs because the selectivity of H 2 and CO decreases with increasing O 2 /C ratio.…”

“…Second, a sufficiently long residence time of the fuel at high temperatures should be guaranteed to satisfy the thermodynamic equilibrium condition. In comparing numerical modeling results based on the thermodynamic equilibrium and the kinetic approaches, Rollier et al [16] pointed out that the thermodynamic equilibrium condition determines the upper limit of the reforming efficiency. With increasing residence time, the kinetic calculation results approach the thermodynamic results, leading to an improvement in reforming performance.…”

3D MHD modelling of low current–high voltage dc plasma torch under restrike mode

“…At low current, the magnetic field is very low and does not constrict sufficiently the arc column to stabilize it and leads to physical instabilities which are difficult to simulate. For several years, the Center for Energy and Processes (CEP) study the plasma-assisted conversion of heavy hydrocarbons like diesel fuel [3], gasoline [4], ethanol [5], both experimentally and numerically [6][7][8]. More recently, the CEP has developed a non-reactive MHD model of his low current -high voltage rotating arc reactor to investigate the quasi-continuous behaviour of the arc discharge operating with air [9].…”