Plasma Reforming Technologies for Low Carbon Hydrogen Production

Abstract

This project investigates the use of plasma-assisted methane pyrolysis for low-carbon hydrogen production and addresses the urgent global need for sustainable energy solutions. With hydrogen playing an important role in the transition to cleaner energy, the research focuses on developing a computational model using Ansys Chemkin-Pro to simulate the plasma pyrolysis process. The objective is to maximize hydrogen production while significantly reducing CO2 emissions, compared to traditional methods such as steam methane reforming. The study involves validating the model with experimental data and optimizing the process parameters for industrial-scale applications. Through a comparative analysis of different plasma conditions and feed compositions, the research identifies the most efficient scenarios for hydrogen production. The results show that plasma pyrolysis offers a feasible alternative for low carbon hydrogen production and allows for the utilization of carbon black as a valuable by-product. However, there are challenges that require further investigation to enhance the scalability and economic feasibility of this technology, such as optimizing reaction mechanisms and managing by-products. The study concludes with recommendations for future work, including reviewing kinetic data, exploring the option of an additional reactor, exploring the option of adding catalysts to the system, conducting laboratory experiments, and conducting detailed economic analysis to support the transition from research to industrial implementation.