Abstract
The article details a numerical investigation of methane pyrolysis inside a shock wave reformer using a quasi-2dimensional (Q2D) Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) CFD model. This work is in support of the New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2) proprietary technology development. To take account of the characteristics of the flow in the presence of shock waves, a simplified approach is proposed that captures the gas dynamics during partial opening with a lower computational cost suitable for the wave reformer design. The model is based on the three-dimensional, compressible, and unsteady Navier-Stokes equation coupled with k −ω - SST turbulence closure. Boundary conditions are implemented through a cell-centered approach with fictitious cells outside of the domain boundaries. The numerical results are compared with solutions from a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) unsteady model reported in literature. The simulations show a good agreement between the two different modelling approaches in terms of spatial distribution of the pressure gradient for one complete cycle. It is observed from the Q2D results that the entrance for each passage, especially upon opening of the high-pressure driver gas port, is a location of particular interest in the formation of the shock. The resulting acute pressure gradients induce loss inside the channel, decreasing the maximum temperature during a complete wave cycle by 15%, and consequently, reducing the methane pyrolysis process.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Coal, Biomass, Hydrogen, and Alternative Fuels; Controls, Diagnostics, and Instrumentation; Steam Turbine |
Publisher | The American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME) |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780791885987 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 28 Oct 2022 |
Event | ASME Turbo Expo 2022: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2022 - Rotterdam, Netherlands Duration: 13 Jun 2022 → 17 Jun 2022 |
Publication series
Name | Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo |
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Volume | 2 |
Conference
Conference | ASME Turbo Expo 2022: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2022 |
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Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Rotterdam |
Period | 13/06/22 → 17/06/22 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank and acknowledge New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2) and co-funding groups including, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), TotalEnergies, the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF) and its members, and GRTgaz.
Funding
The authors would like to thank and acknowledge New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2) and co-funding groups including, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), TotalEnergies, the Natural Gas Innovation Fund (NGIF) and its members, and GRTgaz.
Keywords
- hydrogen
- methane pyrolysis
- shock heating
- wave chemical reactor
- wave reformer
- wave rotor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering