Hierarchical numbering-up of modular reactors: A multi-objective optimization approach

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2022.137781

Hierarchical numbering-up of modular reactors: A multi-objective optimization approach

2022-12-01

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DOI：10.1016/j.cej.2022.137781

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Proper upscaling of modular reactors for renewable energy transformation, storage and power-to-fuels/ chemicals, including fuel cells, redox flow cells and micro catalytic/electrocatalytic reactors, is crucial for enabling an economically feasible net-zero-emission future. In this work, we eatablish a multi-objective optimization model for hierarchical numbering-up of modular reactors considering flow uniformity, flow resistance and total device volume as the optimization objectives; the hierarchical topology of reaction channel networks and the geometry of reaction channels and multi-level distributors serve as the decision variables. An evolutionary optimization algorithm is developed to solve the formulated mixed integer non-linear programming problem cost-effectively. Appropriate sizing of primary reaction channels for equipment integration is found to be application-specific. Hierarchical channel layouts are shown to be essential for large-scale applications. Increasing the number of plates per reactor-stack and incorporating reactor-stacks into arrays prove to be superior to the common practice of enlarging individual plates. The proposed approach and the revelation of optimal numbering-up modes under different representative scenarios will enlighten development of systematic design methodologies for a variety of modular devices.

Keywords:

Modular reactors

Numbering-up

Multi-objective optimization

Evolutionary optimization

Resistance network model

Hierarchical numbering-up of modular reactors: A multi-objective optimization approach

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