Bifurcation Behavior of a Novel Auto-thermal Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Membrane Reformer

	Clean Technology 2008 Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies
	Bifurcation Behavior of a Novel Auto-thermal Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Membrane Reformer
Authors:	I. Abu-Mahfouz, S. Elnashaie, R. Ciocci
Affilation:	Penn State University at Harrisburg, US
Pages:	283 - 286
Keywords:	bifurcation, fluidized bed, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, stability
Abstract:	Static Bifurcation (SB), which mostly exhibits itself as multiple steady states, is characteristic of a novel auto-thermal Circulating Fluidized Bed Membrane Steam Reformer (CFB_MSR) for hydrocarbons. The present paper focuses on the practical implications of this phenomenon on the behavior of this novel reformer with special emphasis on hydrogen yield. It is shown that SB prevails over a relatively wide range of parameters and has significant impacts on stability, start-up policy and hydrogen yield. At certain critical bifurcation points the reformer can quench to an idle state, while at other bifurcation points it may tend to run away. The SB is a result of the auto-thermicity nature of the CFB_MSR and although it adds certain degree of complexity to the design and operation of the unit; it has a very positive effect on its thermal efficiency. A parametric study is carried out in order to define the domain of the most efficient and safe operating conditions. In addition, the study aims to investigate the stability at these optimal parameters and discusses the need for a feedback control system. It is shown that an optimized and well controlled reformer of this kind is capable of superior hydrogen yields from a wide range of higher hydrocarbons including a renewable feedstock such as bio-oil from biomass.
ISBN:	1-4200-8502-0
Pages:	724
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit
Washington DC, Feb. 27-29, 2012

Cleantech 2012
(joint with TechConnect World)
Santa Clara CA, June 19-21, 2012

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2008

Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies

Bifurcation Behavior of a Novel Auto-thermal Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Membrane Reformer