A dynamic, two-dimensional shift reactor model for the production of hydrogen from biogas is presented. This shift reactor enables the preheating of the biogas feed and, in parallel, reduces fixed-bed temperatures, resulting in increased hydrogen yields. The model is validated with measurement data from a pilot biogas steam reforming plant.

Abstract

A dynamic, pseudo-homogeneous, two-dimensional reactor model of an integrated shift reactor for the production of hydrogen from biogas is developed. This integrated shift reactor enables the preheating of the biogas feed through a helical coil in the fixed bed. Simultaneously, the resulting reduced temperatures in the fixed bed lead to an increased hydrogen yield of the shift reactor, due to the exothermicity of the water-gas shift reaction. The developed model is validated with steady-state and dynamic operating data from a measurement campaign at a pilot biogas steam reforming plant. The results show that the model adequately predicts the measured operating points.