Development and numerical reactor modeling of a novel conversion system for methanol production

It is imperative to have sustainable infrastructure that emits as little greenhouse gases as possible by 2050 in order to reach net-zero emissions. The key component of this strategy is development of CO2 capture units, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. By incorporating renewable electricity to meet the energy demand of high-temperature reactions, chemical processes can become much more efficient and compact, and CO2 emissions can also be drastically reduced. A novel electrified tri-reforming system has been developed for the efficient use of CO2 and conversion of this to methanol. The detailed design of the electrified reactor is critical to ensuring the feasibility of this process. Therefore, we will numerically model the reactor using a variety of heating approaches, including microwave and plasma. COMSOL modeling software will be used to develop the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for electrified reactors by incorporating standard equations such as energy, mass transfer, and electrical fields.

Faculty Supervisor:

Yaser Khojasteh-Salkuyeh

Student:

Partner:

Eindhoven University of Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Concordia University

Program: