Numerical optimization of catalyst configurations in a solar parabolic trough receiver-reactor with non-uniform heat flux

A three-dimensional numerical model of a solar parabolic trough receiver reactor (SPTRR) with methanol steam reforming reaction was developed. Based on this model, the characteristics of hydrodynamics, heat transfer and chemical reaction of SPTRR were studied. Also, the effects of non-uniform heat flux boundary condition, catalyst layout and mass flow rate on the performances of SPTRR were analyzed. The results showed that SPTRRs partially filled with catalyst have better comprehensive performance than those fully filled with catalyst, and the SPTRR with horizontal cylindrical segment shaped catalyst in the lower part of receiver tube is recommended to substitute the fully catalyst-filled SPTRR. The chemical energy conversion per unit pump power of the proposed partially catalyst-filled SPTRR is one order of magnitude larger than that of the fully catalyst-filled SPTRR, and the mean outer surface temperature and maximum outer surface temperature difference of the proposed partially catalyst-filled SPTRR can be as low as that of the fully catalyst-filled SPTRR, when the mass of the catalyst in the partially catalyst-filled SPTRR is 0.4 times as much as that in the fully catalyst-filled SPTRR. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.