Abstract
A numerical code based on Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) capable of solving coupled reaction-transport phenomena (i.e. heat, mass, fluid flow and reaction) in porous media was developed. LBM is a powerful numerical technique for modeling transport phenomena in complex geometries. The developed in-house LBM code is then used to:
First, modeling ammonia decomposition in the micro-reactors made of catalyst-coated posts. Fluid flow, heat and mass transfer along with chemical reaction simultaneously occur in micro-reactors. A parametric study in terms of post shapes and arrangements was performed. It was found that square shape posts with hexagonal arrangement yield maximum based on hydrogen production.
Second, modeling the oxidation reduction reaction in the cathode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell as an idealized single pore geometry. Oxygen, ion and electron diffusions are modeled. Fuel cell performance based on the generated polarization curve is examined for various ionomer thickness.
