Biogas upgrading for on-board hydrogen production: Reforming process CFD modelling

Hydrogen production through fuel reforming can be used to improve IC (internal combustion) engines combustion characteristics and to lower vehicle emissions. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on a detailed kinetic mechanism was developed for exhaust gas reforming of biogas to synthetic gas (H2 and CO). In agreement with experimental data, the reactorʹs physical and chemical performance was investigated at various O2/CH4 ratios and gas hourly space velocities (GHSV). The numerical results imply that methane reforming reactions are strongly sensitive to O2/CH4 ratio and engine exhaust gas temperature. It was also found that increasing GHSV results in lower hydrogen yield; since dry and steam reforming reactions are relatively slow and are both dependent on the flow residence time. Furthermore, the hot spot effect, which is associated to oxidation reforming reactions, was investigated for catalyst activity and durability.