Thermodynamic and Experimental Studies of Hydrogen Production from Dimethyl Ether Steam Reforming Utilization of Exhaust Gas

Abstract

In this paper, a thermodynamic equilibrium analysis coupled with experimentation for the hydrogen production from dimethyl ether is performed by total Gibbs free energy minimization method. Heat requirement from the process can be achieved from the exhaust gas of the engine. The effects of temperature of exhaust gas (250–400)°C and ratio of steam to Dimethyl ether (DME) (1.5–5) on the equilibrium compositions, yield of hydrogen and energy efficiency of the system are analyzed. In this way, the most thermodynamic favorable operating conditions have been identified. Experimental study is implemented on a self-designed equipment. Experimental results over the Cu-ZnO-Al2O3-SiO2 catalyst are compared against the results obtained from thermodynamic analysis.