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PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

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LHV = Lower heating value <strong>of</strong> specified gas (kJ/Nm 3 )<br />

GasDensity = Density <strong>of</strong> biogas (kg/Nm 3 )<br />

Elec = Electricity to compress or liquefy biogas (kWh/Nm 3 )<br />

The total amounts <strong>of</strong> hydrogen and methane produced throughout the simulation<br />

period are given along with the final production rate graphs. Any excess energy<br />

requirements arising from the separation process may be added to the overall<br />

process energy requirements considered in section 6.1.2.<br />

3. Make hydrogen, from the methane component, via steam reforming<br />

Hydrogen may be made, via the steam reforming <strong>of</strong> methane, according to the<br />

following chemical equation: -<br />

2CH4 + 3H20 CO + CO2 + 7H2<br />

64 kg CH4 + 108 kg H20 56 kg CO + 88 kg CO2 + 28 kg H2<br />

By considering the molecular weights <strong>of</strong> each component, it can be determined<br />

that 64 kg <strong>of</strong> methane are required to produce 28 kg <strong>of</strong> hydrogen. In practice,<br />

however, this reaction will not go to completion, so a completion percentage<br />

must be applied [3].<br />

To determine the total amount <strong>of</strong> hydrogen that is made, the rates <strong>of</strong> production<br />

by weight (in kg/hr) <strong>of</strong> hydrogen and methane are calculated using Equation<br />

6.10, and the partial production factor is applied as necessary.<br />

Specified Gas = Biogas x Percentage x Density (6.10)<br />

Production Rate (kg/hr) GasDensity x 100<br />

Where Biogas = Biogas production rate (kg/hr)<br />

Percentage = Percentage <strong>of</strong> specified gas in mixture (by volume)<br />

Density = Density <strong>of</strong> specified gas (kg/Nm 3 )<br />

GasDensity = Density <strong>of</strong> biogas (kg/Nm 3 )<br />

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