Production of hydrogen via methane reforming using atmospheric pressure microwave plasma

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 181; no. 1; pp. 41 - 45
• Main Authors: Jasiński, Mariusz, Dors, Mirosław, Mizeraczyk, Jerzy
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.06.2008; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pressure; Barometric pressure; Cylinders; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Flow rate; Fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Hydrogen production efficiency; Hydrogen production rate; Methane; Methane reforming; Microwave plasma; Microwave plasma source; Microwave plasmas; Reforming; Microwave plasma; Hydrogen production efficiency; Hydrogen production rate; Methane reforming; Hydrogen production; Microwave plasma source; Methane; Gas chromatography; Energetic efficiency; Steam reforming; Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.10.058

In this paper, results of hydrogen production via methane reforming in the atmospheric pressure microwave plasma are presented. A waveguide-based nozzleless cylinder-type microwave plasma source (MPS) was used to convert methane into hydrogen. Important advantages of the presented waveguide-based nozzleless cylinder-type MPS are: stable operation in various gases (including air) at high flow rates, no need for a cooling system, and impedance matching. The plasma generation was stabilized by an additional swirled nitrogen flow (50 or 100 l min −1). The methane flow rate was up to 175 l min −1. The absorbed microwave power could be changed from 3000 to 5000 W. The hydrogen production rate and the corresponding energy efficiency in the presented methane reforming by the waveguide-based nozzleless cylinder-type MPS were up to 255 g[H 2] h −1 and 85 g[H 2] kWh −1, respectively. These parameters are better than those typical of the conventional methods of hydrogen production (steam reforming of methane and water electrolysis).