Comparison between 1D and 2D numerical models of a multi-tubular packed-bed reactor for methanol steam reforming

The hydrogen-rich gas produced in-situ by methanol steam reforming (MSR) reactions significantly affects the performance and endurance of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell stack. A numerical study MSR over a commercial CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst coupling with heat mass transfer phenomena in co-current packed-bed reactor is conducted. simulation results 1D 2D pseudo-homogeneous model are compared, which indicates importance radial gradients bed. effects geometry operating parameters on steady-state investigated. show that increases inlet temperature burner tube diameter increase non-uniformity distributions reformer tubes. Hot spots formed near wall entrance region. hot-spot bed rises gas. Moreover, difference between models shown to be primarily influenced diameter. With conversion approaching 100% or relatively small diameter, simplified can used instead estimate performance.