Design optimization of a methane/steam reforming reactor using an evolutionary algorithm

Marcin Pajak, Szymon Buchaniec, Shinji Kimijima, Janusz S. Szmyd, Grzegorz Brus

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of the presented research is the multi-objective optimization of the temperature distribution inside a methane/steam reforming reactor. The optimization is conducted using the macro-patterning concept, which divides the catalyst into separate segments and alters their density. The segments’ composition is chosen as the optimization parameter, as the beneficial influence of macro-pattering was proved in our previous studies. The optimal catalyst distribution is determined using a genetic algorithm, which mimics the rules of natural selection. The multi-objective fitness function is computed based on the amount of the methane converted in the process, as well as the difference between the maximal and the minimum temperature value inside the reactor. The results of computations indicate that the genetic algorithm can be a useful technique to design catalyst distribution in chemical reactors. The obtained results show that temperature difference could be reduced from 53 to 26 degrees, with a 30 % decrease in the methane conversion rate. However, the amount of catalyst used in this case is 60 % lower, compared with a conventional reactor.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationECOS 2019 - Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems
EditorsWojciech Stanek, Pawel Gladysz, Sebastian Werle, Wojciech Adamczyk
PublisherInstitute of Thermal Technology
Pages407-418
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9788361506515
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Event32nd International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, ECOS 2019 - Wroclaw, Poland
Duration: 2019 Jun 232019 Jun 28

Publication series

NameECOS 2019 - Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems

Conference

Conference32nd International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, ECOS 2019
Country/TerritoryPoland
CityWroclaw
Period19/6/2319/6/28

Keywords

  • Catalyst distribution
  • Macro-patterning
  • Methane/steam reforming
  • Multi-objective optimization
  • Numerical analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy(all)
  • Engineering(all)
  • Environmental Science(all)

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