4. Conclusions
Computational fluid dynamics simulations are carried out to better understand how to manage thermally coupled reactors for conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions. Particular emphasis is placed upon the mechanisms involved in the heat transfer processes in thermally coupled reactors for hydrogen production by steam reforming. The effects of catalyst layer thickness on the enthalpy of reaction, methanol conversion, and hydrogen yield are delineated. The oxidation and reforming reaction rates involved in the endothermic and exothermic processes are determined. Contour maps denoting temperature, enthalpy, and species mole fractions are constructed and design recommendations are made. The major conclusions are summarized as follows: