Production of fuel-cell grade hydrogen by thermal swing sorption enhanced reaction concept

The performance of a novel thermal swing sorption enhanced reaction (TSSER) concept for production of fuel-cell grade hydrogen ( < 20 ppm CO ) by low temperature ( ∼ 490 ∘ C ) catalytic steam–methane reforming (SMR) is simulated. The process simultaneously carries out the SMR reaction and removal of CO 2 from the reaction zone by chemisorption on K 2 CO 3 promoted hydrotalcite in a single unit. The chemisorbent is periodically regenerated by steam purge at ∼ 590 ∘ C . The concept efficiently utilizes the CO 2 sorption capacity of the chemisorbent and requires a relatively low amount of steam for its regeneration. A compact, small foot-print H 2 generator can be designed for a residential or industrial hydrogen fuel-cell unit by the concept. ly measured equilibrium isotherms and column dynamics for ad(de)sorption of CO 2 on the chemisorbent are reviewed and parametric evaluations of design variables like catalyst:sorbent ratio and feed gas conditions (pressure, temperature, and H 2 O : CH 4 ratio) are carried out.