Pore-scale direct numerical simulation of steam methane reforming (SMR) for hydrogen production in open-cell porous catalytic foam

This study explores hydrogen production via steam methane reforming (SMR) within complex Voronoi catalytic foams. Pioneering pore-scale analysis unveils the intricate interplay between foam geometry and SMR performance, surpassing conventional macro-scale studies. The highly intricate Voronoi foams intrigue due to their maximized surface area and efficient heat transfer. The research meticulously examines the combined effects of various factors like inlet velocity, temperature, foam properties, and steam-to-carbon ratio on hydrogen yield. Employing OpenFOAM's finite volume method, pore-scale simulations were conducted. Each investigated parameter significantly impacted hydrogen production, with temperature boasting the most remarkable influence. A 142.5% surge in hydrogen production was observed when increasing the temperature from 1100 to 1200 K. Lengthening the foam from 5 mm to 10 mm yielded a 90% increase. This groundbreaking study highlights the immense potential of Voronoi foams to revolutionize SMR processes, paving the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.