Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Compact Methanol Steam Reformer for Aviation Applications

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study focused on a compact methanol steam reaction (MSR) reformer for aviation applications is proposed. Three-dimensional (3-D) transient CFD models of 1 kW MSR reformers are developed to analyze the start-up period, optimize geometric configurations and flow modes. The effect of heating tube position, heating film position, reformer diameter and length are studied. And counter-flow is found to be the more suitable choice than co-flow.Strategies are proposed to enhance methanol conversion rates and accelerate start-up phase to improve the reliability and compactness of reformers in aviation power systems.