Thermochemical waste-heat recuperation as on-board hydrogen production technology

Thermochemical waste-heat recuperation (TCR) as an on-board hydrogen production technology is considered. To determine the effectiveness of using TCR systems as an on-board hydrogen production technology and to assess the possibility of hydrogen production in TCR systems, a thermodynamic analysis of various hydrocarbon reforming reactions was carried out. The thermodynamic analysis has been realized via Aspen HYSYS software. Three steam reforming reactions with methane, methanol, and ethanol were investigated. It was established that the composition of the initial reaction mixture and the process temperature has a significant effect on the efficiency of the thermochemical heat recuperation system. The maximum efficiency of thermochemical heat recuperation systems due to steam reforming is achieved at 600 K for methanol; 700 K for ethanol and 900 K for methane.