PNNL

Abstract

A methanol steam reformer and a selective carbon monoxide methanator have been mathematically described with a three-dimensional pseudo-homogenous model based on fundamental conservation laws of mass and energy. Results provide temperature distributions in a mili-watt scale fuel processor, which is used for reactor design. The tailored temperature profile allows the steam reformer and the CO methanator be operated at their preferred temperatures so that high selectivities can be achieved. The optimized reactor configuration and process conditions give high energy efficiency in generating low-CO-content hydrogen-rich gas stream for the miniature fuel cell applications. The precision of model has been validated with experimental observations.