Design of a multi-fuel heat exchanger reactor - A unit for a proof-of-concept system for decarbonizing deep-sea shipping with hydrogen carriers and solid oxide fuel cells
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Sähkötekniikan korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
Author
Date
2024-06-10
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Energy Systems and Markets
Mcode
ELEC3048
Degree programme
Master's Programme in Advanced Energy Solutions
Language
en
Pages
71+9
Series
Abstract
The global maritime shipping industry, responsible for approximately 2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is seeking to reduce its carbon footprint in alignment with the EU Green Deal's net-zero emissions (NZE) target by 2050. Fuel cells, particularly solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), offer a promising solution for powering ships using hydrogen carriers as alternative fuels. The FuelSOME project aims to decarbonize the maritime sector by evaluating the feasibility, flexibility, and scalability of SOFC technology for high-efficiency power conversion using ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. This thesis focuses on designing a heat exchanger (HEx) reactor to decompose ammonia and methanol, powering an SOFC for extended periods. The motivation for using a HEx reactor comes from its ability to increase the system efficiency by using residual heat from other components. The reactor design is driven by efficiency considerations, ensuring it can withstand the defined operation conditions and achieve effective decomposition rates. Using simulations and design tools from literature, the HEx reactor was designed in collaboration with AVL List GmbH. Experimental testing of catalyst-coated plates confirmed the feasibility of ammonia decomposition at 650 C. Although the assembly of the designed reactor was not completed within the thesis timeframe, the design process successfully combined analytical and simulation modeling, supported by literature review and experimental data. The finalized design, meeting the initial criteria at theoretical and simulation levels, sets the foundation for subsequent testing and optimization. This study, conducted on a lab-scale system, emphasizes the need for additional research to address variables encountered in scaling up to real-world applications, aiming for a reliable and efficient system for maritime use.Description
Supervisor
Himanen, OlliThesis advisor
Huhtinen, WerneriPennanen, Jari
Keywords
heat exchanger reactor, ammonia decomposition, methanol steam reforming, multi-fuel processing
