Session: 12-03: Hydrogen Energy, Alternative Fuels, Bioenergy, and Biofuels

Paper Number: 126891

126891 - Investigation of Driver Gas Mixtures in a Shock Wave Reformer for Enhanced Hydrogen Pyrolysis 

Abstract: 

The wave reformer, developed by New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2), harnesses shock waves resulting from the pressure exchange between two gases to initiate thermal decomposition reactions in a hydrocarbon to generate hydrogen. This article investigates the influence of various operating parameters, including driver gas mixtures, operating temperature, pressure, on the overall hydrogen conversion within an 8-ports wave reformer. The objective is to shift the peak pressure region and reaction zone away from the end-wall toward the center of the wave reformer, allowing for more time for high-temperature initiation.

The main intention of the work is to consider the role of the gas composition of the driver gas (energy input) on the pyrolysis of methane using shock-wave heating. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the effects of driver gas properties on the flow rate, velocity, temperature, and pressure distribution within the wave reformer. Utilizing the Quasi-2D (Q2D) model, simulations yield valuable insights into how these parameters impact the performance of the technology.

Key findings include the critical role of driven outlet back pressure in driving mass flow within the cycle and its subsequent influence on maximum temperature. The choice of driver gases was found to profoundly influence the temperature and density fields and plays a significant role in the mass flow ratio of the two gases.

This research enhances our understanding of wave reformer technology and its sensitivity to various operational parameters. The insights gained are instrumental in optimizing wave reformer performance for efficient hydrogen conversion.

Presenting Author: Colin Copeland Simon Fraser University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Copeland has over fifteen years of research experience within Canada and internationally. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering from Ryerson University in 2003 and his MASc from the University of Waterloo in 2005, before moving abroad to pursue his PhD. His doctoral studies at the Imperial College London examined the fluid dynamics of a radial turbine exposed to pulsating flows. After one year at the University of Bristol, he joined the Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre (now IAAPS) at the University of Bath where he successfully established an internationally recognized, hot-flow laboratory that enabled a wide range of fundamental and applied science research programs. More recently he has established a group in the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver where he is researching aero-thermal optimization including a new shock-wave hydrogen production method.

Authors:

Ghislain Madiot Simon Fraser University
Stefan Tüchler New Wave Hydrogen Inc
Pejman Akbari California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Colin Copeland Simon Fraser University