Review on Hydrogen Production Reactor and System of Methanol Steam Reforming

Hydrogen energy is one of the emerging energy sources in the 21st century due to its high calorific value and pollution-free characteristics. In recent years, with the proposal of liquid sunlight for the large-scale transformation and consumption of renewable energy, the energy supply system of methanol reforming for hydrogen production has received widespread attention. The process of methanol steam reforming for hydrogen production has become one of the most promising commercial hydrogen production methods due to its mild reaction temperature and high hydrogen concentration in the products. The methanol steam reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction, and different heating methods always lead to the diverse hydrogen production technologies. In this paper, the latest research progress of three main technologies is specifically reviewed in terms of heat source required by methanol steam reforming to produce hydrogen, including self-heating methanol steam reforming, photothermal conversion for methanol steam reforming, and waste heat utilization for methanol steam reforming to produce hydrogen. The reforming reactor structure, system design scheme, and hydrogen production performance in different technology routes are summarized and compared. Finally, the development trends and application potential of these three hydrogen production technologies are prospected. ©2024 Chin.Soc.for Elec.Eng.