Performance Analysis of Hydrogen Production via Steam Methane Reforming

Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) remains the dominant industrial pathway for high-capacity hydrogen production. This study presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and performance analysis of an industrial-scale SMR reactor. The coupled effects of key operating parameters — including Steam-to-Carbon ratio (S/C: ۱.۵ to ۵.۰), reformer temperature (۶۵۰ °C to ۹۵۰ °C), and operating pressure (۱ to ۳۰ bar) — on methane conversion, hydrogen yield, and carbon monoxide formation were systematically investigated. A rigorous exergy analysis was performed to identify the locations and magnitudes of thermodynamic irreversibilities across the system. The results indicate that operating at high temperatures (۸۵۰ °C to ۹۰۰ °C) and moderate S/C ratios (۳.۰) optimizes methane conversion (>۹۶.۵%) and hydrogen yield while suppressing solid carbon deposition. Although elevated operating pressures thermodynamically limit methane conversion due to Le Chatelier's principle, they significantly decrease downstream compression energy requirements. Exergy assessment reveals that the combustion chamber and reformer tube section are responsible for the highest exergy destruction rates (>۶۵%), primarily driven by highly irreversible chemical reactions and extreme temperature gradients. This work offers valuable guidelines for thermodynamic optimization and carbon footprint mitigation in modern hydrogen production facilities

کلیدواژه ها:

Hydrogen Production ، Steam Methane Reforming ، Thermodynamic Analysis ، Exergy Destruction ، Methane Conversion ، Sensitivity Analysis