Modeling of sorption enhanced steam methane reforming—Part II: Simulation within a novel Ca/Cu chemical loop process for hydrogen production

The initial stage of a novel Ca/Cu looping process for hydrogen production that involves the sorption enhanced reforming of methane (SER) at high pressure and at a moderate temperature is simulated using a mathematical model developed in Part I of this work. The SER reaction step has been analyzed under dynamic conditions within the framework of the following reactor parameters and operation conditions: catalyst/sorbent ratio, space time, operating temperature, operating pressure and steam/carbon ratio. The effect of these parameters on dynamic profiles, duration of the operation up to breakthrough, methane conversion, hydrogen yield, and CO2 capture efficiency has been calculated. The model is shown to be a useful tool for quantifying trade-offs between the key design and operating variables. It has been found to be favored by operating under conditions of moderate temperature (923 K to 1023 K), low pressure (0.5 MPa to 1.5 MPa) and high steam/carbon molar ratio (3 to 6).The authors acknowledge the grant awarded by the Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry under the project ENE2009-11353 and CSIC (201280E017).Peer reviewe