Fractal channel design in a micro methanol steam reformer

CATEGORY: STEAM REFORMERS 
Fractal channel design in a micro methanol steam reformer

Type	Journal Article
Author	Yu-Xian Huang
Author	Jiin-Yuh Jang
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360319913028516
Volume	39
Issue	5
Pages	1998-2007
Publication	International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Date	February 4, 2014
Abstract	Presents results of a study of the fractal channel pattern design and the gradient catalyst layer in relation to their effects on the performance of a micro methanol steam reformer. Researchers designed a three-dimensional simulation model to predict the effects of bio-channel design on the performance of a micro-reformer. They also studied CO concentration in the production gases, which is necessary to avoid the poisoned catalyst layers of low temperature fuel cells. They also predicted the distributions of velocity and gas concentrations, and evaluated the methanol conversion ratios. They propose a gradient catalyst layer arrangement to delay the timing of hydrogen generation and thus avoid the presence of hydrogen in the catalyst layer too long.