Study of a segmented heating strategy to improve ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0622

Abstract

Abstract:

Ammonia decomposition for hydrogen production is critical in ammonia-hydrogen energy storage systems. Electrically heated hydrogen production, catalyzed for high efficiency and flexibility, has emerged as the most widely adopted method. This paper proposes a new heating strategy, i.e., segmented heating of the ammonia decomposer, to enhance the ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency. The decomposer is subjected to simulation analysis based on the Temkin-Phyzev reaction kinetics and the plug flow reactor models. The parameters of the decomposer under uniform heating are analyzed to determine the temperature distribution and molar fractions of each component within the reactor, thereby clarifying the factors influencing energy utilization efficiency. Compared with the ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency across the five heating coverage rates, we optimized the optimal configuration parameters, verified the principle of segment heating, and analyzed the energy utilization efficiency to confirm the rationality of segment heating. The results indicated that the decomposition rate of ammonia decomposition is faster, and the energy requirement is greater in the inlet section of the decomposer. Under a constant total energy supply, segmented heating significantly enhances the ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency. The concentration of energy supply at the front end enhances ammonia decomposition efficiency and reduces the discharge gas temperature at the outlet. The rate of ammonia decomposition remains relatively stable when the energy supply segment ratio is less than 20%. This study is crucial for improving the ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency, offering significant insights for developing ammonia-hydrogen energy storage technology.

Key words: ammonia decomposition to produce hydrogen, segmented heating, energy utilization efficiency, ammonia (hydrogen) energy storage

CLC Number:

TK 91

Bin LIU, Zongyao KANG, Xin WANG, Wei LIU, Junbo ZHUANG, Wenjun CHEN, Xiaohui SHE. Study of a segmented heating strategy to improve ammonia decomposition rate and energy utilization efficiency[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(1): 175-182.

Figures/Tables 11

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参数	数值
压力	10 bar
压降	0.05 bar
反应器长度	6.4 m
直径	0.5 m
氨流量	60 mol/s

覆盖率	热通量(kW/m²)
100%	250
75%	333
50%	500
25%	1000
20%	1250

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