Reformer Design for Autothermal Reforming of Iso-Octane to Generate Hydrogen for Fuel Cell Applications

In this research a packed bed reactor is designed and analyzed, in which autothermal reforming of iso-octane occurs to produce sufficient hydrogen for generating 5 kW of power for stationary power applications. Mass and energy balance equations are developed for each species in the reactor. The pressure drop is modeled via the Ergun equation. Simulations are conducted in ASPEN to determine the effect of process parameters (e.g. steam to octane ratio, oxygen to octane ratio, inlet pressure, inlet temperature) on the production of hydrogen. An appropriate reactor jacket is designed where iso-octane is oxidized to produce sufficient heat for the steam reforming reactions in the reactor. The flow rate of octane in the jacket is computed so that sufficient heat is generated for complete conversion of octane under non-isothermal conditions. Calculations are done for the energy required to bring the fuel processor system from ambient temperature to the operating temperature where fuel cell quality hydrogen can be produced.