Power-to-Methane: Optimizing Mass Flow with Rotating Membrane Module Reactor using ANSYS

Abstract

This study presents the design and simulation of a rotating membrane reactor aimed at enhancing methane production through the Power-to-Methane process. Utilizing ANSYS Fluent, the research explores key aspects of fluid dynamics within the reactor, focusing on phase separation, tangential velocity distribution, and mass transfer efficiency. The findings reveal a distinct separation between air and water regions, crucial for effective gas-liquid interactions, and demonstrate that the rotating module creates dynamic flow patterns that promote efficient mixing. The simulation results, validated with a high accuracy of 98% compared to theoretical values, confirm the reactor’s potential to significantly improve methane production rates. This research underscores the viability of the rotating membrane reactor design for advancing renewable energy technologies and highlights areas for future experimental validation and optimization.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Christina Toigo (Supervisor)