Conceptual feasibility studies of a COX-free hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition in a membrane reactor for PEM fuel cells

CO X -free hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition in a membrane reactor (MR) for PEM fuel cells was studied using a commercial chemical process simulator, Aspen HYSYS®. With process simulation models validated by previously reported kinetics and experimental data, the effect of key operating parameters such as H 2 permeance, He sweep gas flow, and operating temperature was investigated to compare the performance of an MR and a conventional packed-bed reactor (PBR). Higher ammonia conversions and H 2 yields were obtained in an MR than ones in a PBR. It was also found that He sweep gas flow was favorable for X NH 3 enhancement in an MR with a critical value (5 kmol h -1 ), above which no further effect was observed. A higher H 2 permeance led to an increased H 2 yield and H 2 yield enhancement in an MR with the reverse effect of operating temperature on the enhancement. In addition, lower operating temperature resulted in higher X NH 3 enhancement and H 2 yield enhancement as well as NG cost savings in a MR compared to a conventional PBR.