College of Engineering

Computational fluid dynamics uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows. Computers may be used to perform the calculations required to simulate the interaction of liquids and gasses with a surface defined by boundary conditions. Thermodynamics is the science of the relationship between heat, work, temperature, and energy. Computational modelling for microchannel reactor design was performed to investigate the effects of various factors on the efficiency and performance of an autothermal reforming system. The yield and productivity from the chemical process were determined by performing computational fluid dynamics and thermodynamic analysis. Strength and weakness were assessed under different reaction conditions. Design recommendations were provided and operation strategies were mapped out. The results indicated that operation at millisecond contact times is feasible, but optimisation of reaction conditions is necessary to balance efficiency and performance. The conversion to hydrogen is influenced greatly by the feed composition, which must be controlled precisely within certain needed limits to maximize the yield and productivity from the autothermal reforming process while avoiding the problems of combustion or explosion. Additionally, the efficiency difference between feed compositions is determined by thermodynamic analysis. The calculated output power of the autothermal reforming reactor is of the order of thousands of kilowatts per cubic meter.