Methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topological optimization and design and application method thereof

Abstract

According to the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topological optimization and the design and application method thereof, the branch runner structure is generated in the reactor body through the topological optimization unit, and the heat and mass transfer efficiency of the reactor is remarkably improved. A traditional straight-flow reactor is simple in structure, uneven temperature distribution is easily caused by internal strong endothermic reaction, local cold points or overheating is caused, and the reaction rate is inhibited; the branch flow channel structure simulates the natural fractal principle, the distribution structure of the flow channel is changed, and heat and matter transfer is more uniform. According to the design, the limitation of experience dependence is avoided, the runner form is automatically optimized through an algorithm, and the temperature field stability of the reactor in the operation process is ensured, so that the methanol conversion rate and the hydrogen yield are improved, and meanwhile, the selectivity of byproducts is reduced. In addition, the branch flow channel structure enhances the disturbance effect of the fluid, destroys a thermal boundary layer and further strengthens convective heat transfer, so that the reactor keeps high-efficiency performance in long-term operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of reactor technology, specifically relating to a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization and its design and application methods. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a low-carbon and clean new energy source, is of strategic significance in the global energy transition, but bottlenecks in hydrogen storage technology have constrained its large-scale application. Methanol, due to its high hydrogen storage density and mild reaction conditions, is considered an ideal liquid hydrogen storage carrier, and methanol reforming technology has become an important pathway for obtaining hydrogen energy.

[0003] In methanol reforming hydrogen production technology, the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor is the core device that converts liquid methanol and water into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It efficiently completes the chemical reaction under the action of a catalyst, effectively solving the industry bottleneck of high hydrogen storage and transportation costs. It provides a safe and convenient on-site hydrogen source for fuel cell vehicles and other equipment, and is a key bridge connecting future hydrogen energy supply and end-use applications.

[0004] However, since the existing methanol reforming hydrogen production reactors are mostly designed as traditional direct-flow reactors, their structural design is too simple. During use, the strong endothermic reaction inside often causes uneven temperature, which reduces the hydrogen production efficiency and makes it difficult to meet the technical problem of high-efficiency hydrogen production. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problem that existing methanol reforming hydrogen production reactors in the background technology are mostly designed as traditional direct-flow reactors with overly simple structures, which often result in uneven temperatures due to strong endothermic reactions during use, thus reducing the quality of hydrogen production materials and making it difficult to meet the requirements for efficient hydrogen production, this invention provides a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, as well as its design and application methods.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, comprising: a reactor body, an inlet channel and an outlet channel respectively disposed at the center of the width and height sides of the reactor body, wherein the reactor body has a topology optimization unit inside, and the topology optimization unit generates a branch flow channel structure through a topology optimization algorithm.

[0007] Optionally, in the branch channel structure generated by the topology optimization unit through the topology optimization algorithm, the channel volume fraction W of the branch channel structure satisfies 0.15≤W≤0.25.

[0008] Optionally, the flow channel volume fraction W of the branch flow channel structure is 0.225.

[0009] Optionally, in the topology optimization algorithm, the design domain of the topology optimization unit is a square region on the end face of the reactor body, and its objective function for topology optimization is to maximize the average temperature within the design domain. ,in in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P W represents the volume factor of the penalized material and the volume fraction of the flow channel.

[0010] Optionally, in the topology optimization algorithm, a penalty function for solid isotropic materials is used for material property interpolation, with a penalty material volume factor θ. P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. Meanwhile, a Helmholtz filter is used to avoid the checkerboard effect and filter the density field θ. f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, R min Where is the filter radius.

[0011] Optionally, the branch channel structure is also obtained iteratively through a gradient descent algorithm, specifically by setting an upper limit for topological volume constraints until the optimization tolerance is less than 10 and convergence occurs. Furthermore, the optimized structure is geometrically modified to generate a three-dimensional branched flow channel structure.

[0012] Optionally, the number of topology optimization units is at least one, and when there is more than one topology optimization unit, the multiple topology optimization units are connected in sequence.

[0013] Optionally, the reactor body is a rectangular parallelepiped with a stainless steel solid structure.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a design method for a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, comprising: S1: Design domain partitioning: Obtain the design parameters of the target methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor, set the square at the center of the end face of the methanol reactor body as the topological design domain, and perform anisotropic high degree of freedom optimization on its extended geometry. S2: Preliminary Model Acquisition: A preliminary model is obtained by defining an objective function and performing topology optimization to maximize the average temperature within the design domain; where the objective function is... ,and in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P W represents the volume factor of the penalized material and the volume fraction of the flow channel.

[0015] S3: Model Optimization: The preliminary model is refined using topology optimization, including discretizing the design region into a finite element mesh, assigning a density variable to each element to represent the material distribution, using a Helmholtz filter to support optimization regularization and avoid checkerboard patterns, and using a hyperbolic tangent projected density field to eliminate geometric boundary grayscale; where the filtered density field θ f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, R min The radius of the filter; Furthermore, the material property interpolation is performed using a penalty function for isotropic solid materials, with a penalty material volume factor θ. P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. S4: Iterative optimization: The gradient descent optimization algorithm is used to iteratively update the model, and the upper limit of the topological volume constraint is set. The iteration continues until the optimization tolerance is less than the preset convergence condition. S5: Geometric Modification: Export the optimized topological geometry as a mesh part, smooth the isolated point boundaries in CAD software, and finally generate a three-dimensional branch channel structure.

[0016] Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for applying a topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor, used in any of the above-described topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactors, characterized in that it comprises: S1: Reactor preparation: Preheat the topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor to the operating temperature and adjust the porosity, water-to-methanol ratio, catalyst mass and methanol molar flow rate ratio. S2: Feed reaction: A mixture of methanol and water is fed into the inlet channel, causing it to undergo a reforming reaction within the topology optimization unit. The heat of reaction is evenly distributed through the branch channel structure. S3: Product control: Monitor the reaction process to ensure that the methanol conversion rate and hydrogen yield meet the requirements; S4: Product collection: Collect hydrogen-rich gas from the outlet channel and purify it.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention provides a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, along with its design and application methods. By generating a branched flow channel structure within the reactor body through topology optimization units, the heat and mass transfer efficiency of the reactor is significantly improved. Traditional direct-flow reactors, due to their simple structure, are prone to uneven temperature distribution caused by strong endothermic reactions, leading to localized cold spots or overheating and inhibiting the reaction rate. The branched flow channel structure of this invention mimics the natural fractal principle, altering the flow channel distribution structure and making heat and mass transfer more uniform. This design avoids the limitations of experience-based approaches, automatically optimizing the flow channel morphology through algorithms to ensure a stable temperature field during reactor operation, thereby improving methanol conversion and hydrogen yield while reducing byproduct selectivity. Furthermore, the branched flow channel structure enhances the fluid disturbance effect, disrupts the thermal boundary layer, and further strengthens convective heat transfer, enabling the reactor to maintain high efficiency during long-term operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel of the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the experimental results of methanol conversion rates in different reactors in Example 3 of this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of hydrogen yield in different reactors in Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of CO selectivity in different reactors in Example 3 of this invention; Figure 6This is a three-dimensional diagram of the hydrogen production performance of different reactors during use in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of methanol conversion rate with different numbers of topology optimization units in Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of hydrogen yield with different numbers of topology optimization units in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of CO selectivity with different numbers of topology optimization units in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional graph of hydrogen production performance with different numbers of topology optimization units in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of methanol conversion rate at different volume fractions in Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of hydrogen yield at different volume fractions in Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the experimental results of CO selectivity at different volume fractions in Example 3 of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional graph showing the hydrogen production performance at different volume fractions in Example 3 of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0023] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] Example 1 See Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows a topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor according to this application, including: a reactor body, an inlet channel and an outlet channel respectively located at the center of the width and height sides of the reactor body, characterized in that the reactor body has a topology optimization unit inside, and the topology optimization unit generates a branch flow channel structure through a topology optimization algorithm.

[0025] In this embodiment, a branched flow channel structure is generated within the reactor body through a topology optimization unit, significantly improving the reactor's heat and mass transfer efficiency. Traditional direct-flow reactors, due to their simple structure, are prone to uneven temperature distribution caused by strong endothermic reactions, leading to localized cold spots or overheating and inhibiting the reaction rate. The branched flow channel structure of this invention mimics the natural fractal principle, altering the flow channel distribution structure and making heat and mass transfer more uniform. This design avoids the limitations of experience-based reliance, automatically optimizing the flow channel morphology through algorithms to ensure a stable temperature field during reactor operation, thereby improving methanol conversion and hydrogen yield while reducing byproduct selectivity. Furthermore, the branched flow channel structure enhances the fluid disturbance effect, disrupts the thermal boundary layer, and further strengthens convective heat transfer, enabling the reactor to maintain high efficiency during long-term operation.

[0026] Optionally, in the branch flow channel structure generated by the topology optimization unit in this invention through the topology optimization algorithm, the flow channel volume fraction W of the branch flow channel structure satisfies 0.15≤W≤0.25.

[0027] In this embodiment, a balance is achieved between structural compactness and heat transfer efficiency. Since the flow channel volume fraction W directly affects the reaction surface area and fluid flow resistance, if W is too small, the heat transfer area is insufficient, making it difficult to guarantee temperature uniformity; if W is too large, although the heat transfer surface area can be increased, it will increase pressure drop and mass transfer resistance. This embodiment, through system optimization verification, ensures that the branched flow channel structure provides sufficient heat exchange interface without excessively hindering material flow, resulting in a more uniform heat distribution during reactor operation. This avoids the heat storage blind zone common in traditional reactors, thereby improving the continuity and stability of the methanol reforming reaction. Simultaneously, this range adapts to various operating conditions, enhancing the reactor's versatility and robustness, providing a reliable foundation for industrial applications.

[0028] Optionally, the flow channel volume fraction W of the branch flow channel structure in this invention is 0.225.

[0029] Optionally, in the topology optimization algorithm of this invention, the design domain of the topology optimization unit is a square region on the end face of the reactor body, and the objective function of the topology optimization is to maximize the average temperature within the design domain. ,in in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P W represents the volume factor of the penalized material and the volume fraction of the flow channel.

[0030] In this embodiment, by defining the objective function in the topology optimization algorithm as maximizing the average temperature of the design domain, and combining it with flow channel volume fraction constraints, this invention achieves precise control of thermal management. This objective function ensures that the optimization process focuses on improving overall temperature uniformity, avoiding the shortcomings of traditional designs that only focus on local hot spots, thereby enhancing heat transfer. Simultaneously, the introduction of constraints prevents excessive flow channel expansion, ensuring structural rationality. This mathematical optimization method enables the reactor to maintain stable performance under varying operating conditions, making it particularly suitable for strongly endothermic reactions such as methanol reforming, ultimately improving the reactor's energy efficiency and lifespan.

[0031] Optionally, in the topology optimization algorithm of this invention, a penalty function for solid isotropic materials is used for material property interpolation, and the penalty material volume factor θ is... P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. Meanwhile, a Helmholtz filter is used to avoid the checkerboard effect and filter the density field θ. f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, R min Where is the filter radius.

[0032] In this embodiment, a penalty function for solid isotropic materials and a Helmholtz filter are used to address common numerical instability issues in topology optimization, such as checkerboard patterns and boundary grayscale. SIMP (Solid Isotropic Material Penalty Function) interpolation associates material properties with design variables, and the penalty function smooths the transition, enhancing the convergence and reliability of the optimization. The Helmholtz filter introduces a minimum length ratio, avoiding unrealistic microstructures and ensuring the manufacturability of the branch channel structure. The combination of these algorithms improves optimization efficiency, resulting in a channel morphology that conforms to physical constraints while possessing high performance. In practical applications, this design reduces computational resource requirements, shortens the development cycle, and ensures the structural integrity of the reactor under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

[0033] Optionally, the branch channel structure in this invention is also obtained iteratively through a gradient descent algorithm, specifically by setting an upper limit for topological volume constraints until the optimization tolerance is less than 10 and convergence occurs. Furthermore, the optimized structure is geometrically modified to generate a three-dimensional branched flow channel structure.

[0034] In this embodiment, by iteratively optimizing using the gradient descent algorithm combined with geometric modifications, the present invention achieves a seamless conversion of the branched flow channel structure from model to physical form. The gradient descent method efficiently handles high-degree-of-freedom design variables, rapidly converging to the optimal solution, while tolerance control (less than 10) ensures accuracy. Geometric modification steps (such as smoothing) eliminate isolated points or sharp edges generated during optimization, improving the fluid dynamics performance of the flow channel and reducing flow dead zones. This makes the three-dimensional branched flow channel structure easy to manufacture in actual production and reduces the risk of fouling during use. Overall, this embodiment enhances the engineering applicability of topology optimization, making the reactor both theoretically advanced and practically feasible.

[0035] Optionally, the number of topology optimization units in this invention is at least one, and when there is more than one topology optimization unit, multiple topology optimization units are connected in sequence.

[0036] In this embodiment, the number of topology optimization units is at least one, and multiple units can be interconnected. This invention expands the reactor's adaptability; the multi-unit design allows the flow channel distribution to cover a wider area, making it particularly suitable for large or complex-shaped reactors, avoiding the uneven flow that may occur with single units. Inter-unit connectivity ensures the coordinated transfer of materials and heat, enabling the reaction process to be progressively optimized along the flow channel, thus improving overall conversion efficiency. This modular approach supports customized design, allowing for flexible adjustment of the number of units according to different capacity requirements, enhancing the reactor's market adaptability.

[0037] Optionally, the reactor body in this invention is a rectangular parallelepiped with a stainless steel solid structure.

[0038] In this embodiment, the stainless steel material is resistant to high-temperature corrosion and suitable for the harsh environment of methanol reforming, while the cuboid shape simplifies the manufacturing and integration process. This design ensures that the branch channel structure operates under stable support, reducing the risk of thermal stress deformation and extending equipment life. At the same time, the standard geometry facilitates interfacing with other systems (such as purification units), reducing the overall system cost.

[0039] Example 2 Secondly, the present invention provides a method for applying a topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor to the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor described in Example 1 above, comprising: S1: Reactor preparation: Preheat the topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor to the operating temperature and adjust the porosity, water-to-methanol ratio, catalyst mass and methanol molar flow rate ratio. S2: Feed reaction: A mixture of methanol and water is fed into the inlet channel, causing it to undergo a reforming reaction within the topology optimization unit. The heat of reaction is evenly distributed through the branch channel structure. S3: Product control: Monitor the reaction process to ensure that the methanol conversion rate and hydrogen yield meet the requirements; S4: Product collection: Collect hydrogen-rich gas from the outlet channel and purify it.

[0040] In this embodiment, a method for applying a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization is provided. It should be noted that the structure and beneficial effects of the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0041] Meanwhile, this invention also provides a design method for a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, comprising: S1: Design domain partitioning: Obtain the design parameters of the target methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor, set the square at the center of the end face of the methanol reactor body as the topological design domain, and perform anisotropic high degree of freedom optimization on its extended geometry. S2: Preliminary Model Acquisition: A preliminary model is obtained by defining an objective function and performing topology optimization to maximize the average temperature within the design domain; where the objective function is... ,and in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P W represents the volume factor of the penalized material and the volume fraction of the flow channel.

[0042] S3: Model Optimization: The preliminary model is refined using topology optimization, including discretizing the design region into a finite element mesh, assigning a density variable to each element to represent the material distribution, using a Helmholtz filter to support optimization regularization and avoid checkerboard patterns, and using a hyperbolic tangent projected density field to eliminate geometric boundary grayscale; where the filtered density field θ f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, Rmin The radius of the filter; Furthermore, the material property interpolation is performed using a penalty function for isotropic solid materials, with a penalty material volume factor θ. P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. S4: Iterative optimization: The gradient descent optimization algorithm is used to iteratively update the model, and the upper limit of the topological volume constraint is set. The iteration continues until the optimization tolerance is less than the preset convergence condition. S5: Geometric Modification: Export the optimized topological geometry as a mesh part, smooth the isolated point boundaries in CAD software, and finally generate a three-dimensional branch channel structure.

[0043] In this embodiment, the design domain partitioning lays the spatial foundation for subsequent high-degree-of-freedom topology optimization; by defining an objective function aimed at maximizing the average temperature, the design is guided towards meeting the core requirements of reactor thermal management; the introduced topology optimization model, combined with advanced numerical methods such as Helmholtz filters and penalty functions for solid isotropic materials, effectively solves common numerical instability problems in the optimization process, ensuring that the generated branch channel structure is both physically reasonable and has good manufacturability; the gradient descent optimization algorithm ensures that the design can quickly converge to the optimal solution that meets engineering accuracy requirements; the final geometric modification step transforms the mathematical optimization results into a smooth and practical three-dimensional channel structure.

[0044] The methodology established in this invention breaks away from the excessive reliance on engineers' experience in traditional design, and can automatically and efficiently generate flow channel morphologies with performance far exceeding that of traditional structures. This greatly shortens the development cycle, reduces trial and error costs, and has good repeatability and scalability, providing a powerful theoretical tool and practical guide for developing a series of high-performance methanol reforming hydrogen production reactors.

[0045] Example 3 To verify the actual effect of the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an example is used for illustration in this embodiment.

[0046] To verify the hydrogen production performance of the methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor (TFR) based on topology optimization in this invention, a conventional direct-flow reactor (DCR) and a TFR model with consistent dimensions were constructed. The reactor body was a stainless steel cuboid with a length of 0.5 m, a width of 0.1 m, and a height of 0.01 m, and the inlet and outlet channels were squares with a side length of 0.01 m. The TFR adopted the structure in Example 1, with 3 topology optimization units, a flow channel volume fraction W = 0.225, and a branched flow channel structure generated through gradient descent algorithm optimization. The hydrogen production operating conditions were set as follows: temperature 513 K, porosity 0.4, water-to-methanol ratio 1, and catalyst mass to methanol molar flow rate ratio 100 kg·s / mol.

[0047] Reference Figures 3 to 6 In this embodiment, performance was evaluated by monitoring methanol conversion rate, hydrogen yield, and CO selectivity. The results showed that the methanol conversion rate of TFR was significantly higher than that of DCR, the hydrogen yield was increased simultaneously, and the CO selectivity was significantly reduced. This indicates that the branched flow channel structure of the present invention effectively enhances temperature uniformity and avoids local overheating or cold spots.

[0048] This embodiment also compares the number of topology optimization units, referring to... Figures 7 to 10 It can be seen that when the number of topology optimization units increases from 1 to 3, the flow channel distribution range expands and the reaction sufficiency is improved; at the same time, based on the consideration of the overall structural strength and processing difficulty of the reactor, the number of topology optimization units is preferably 3.

[0049] This embodiment also compares different volume fractions, referring to... Figures 11 to 14 It can be seen that the volume fraction reaches the performance peak at 0.225, maximizing the heat transfer area.

[0050] In summary, this embodiment demonstrates that the reactor of the present invention has outstanding advantages in improving hydrogen production efficiency and product quality, and is suitable for high-performance hydrogen energy systems.

[0051] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0052] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, comprising: The reactor body, the inlet channel and the outlet channel respectively located at the center of the width and height sides of the reactor body, are characterized in that the reactor body has a topology optimization unit inside, and the topology optimization unit generates a branch flow channel structure through a topology optimization algorithm.

2. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the branch channel structure generated by the topology optimization unit through the topology optimization algorithm, the channel volume fraction W of the branch channel structure satisfies 0.15≤W≤0.

25.

3. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow channel volume fraction W of the branch flow channel structure is 0.

225.

4. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the topology optimization algorithm, the design domain of the topology optimization unit is a square region on the end face of the reactor body, and its objective function for topology optimization is to maximize the average temperature within the design domain. ,in in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P W represents the volume factor of the penalized material and the volume fraction of the flow channel.

5. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the aforementioned topology optimization algorithm, a penalty function for solid isotropic materials is used for material property interpolation, with a penalty material volume factor θ. P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. Meanwhile, a Helmholtz filter is used to avoid the checkerboard effect and filter the density field θ. f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, R min Where is the filter radius.

6. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 5, characterized in that, The branch channel structure is obtained iteratively through the gradient descent algorithm, which specifically involves setting an upper limit for the topological volume constraint until the optimization tolerance is less than 10 and convergence occurs. Furthermore, the optimized structure is geometrically modified to generate a three-dimensional branched flow channel structure.

7. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of topology optimization units is at least one, and when there is more than one topology optimization unit, the multiple topology optimization units are connected in sequence.

8. The methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor body is a rectangular parallelepiped with a solid stainless steel structure.

9. A design method for a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, characterized in that, include: S1: Design domain partitioning: Obtain the design parameters of the target methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor, set the square at the center of the end face of the methanol reactor body as the topological design domain, and perform anisotropic high degree of freedom optimization on its extended geometry. S2: Preliminary Model Acquisition: A preliminary model is obtained by defining an objective function and performing topology optimization to maximize the average temperature within the design domain; where the objective function is... ,and in, V represents the average temperature within the design domain, in Kelvin (K); V represents the area of ​​the design domain, in m². 2 T represents the temperature at any point within the design domain, in Kelvin; θ P Where W is the volume factor of the penalized material and W is the volume fraction of the flow channel. S3: Model Optimization: The preliminary model is refined using topology optimization, including discretizing the design region into a finite element mesh, assigning a density variable to each element to represent the material distribution, using a Helmholtz filter to support optimization regularization and avoid checkerboard patterns, and using a hyperbolic tangent projected density field to eliminate geometric boundary grayscale; where the filtered density field θ f satisfy: Where, θ f To filter the density field, To design the variable density field, R min The radius of the filter; Furthermore, the material property interpolation is performed using a penalty function for isotropic solid materials, with a penalty material volume factor θ. P for: Where, θ P To determine the penalty material volume factor, θ min p is the minimum penalty volume fraction. simp Let θ be the penalty function exponent for the solid isotropic material, and θ be the hyperbolic tangent projected density field. S4: Iterative optimization: The gradient descent optimization algorithm is used to iteratively update the model, and the upper limit of the topological volume constraint is set. The iteration continues until the optimization tolerance is less than the preset convergence condition. S5: Geometric Modification: Export the optimized topological geometry as a mesh part, smooth the isolated point boundaries in CAD software, and finally generate a three-dimensional branch channel structure.

10. A method for applying a methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor based on topology optimization, used in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: S1: Reactor preparation: Preheat the topology-optimized methanol reforming hydrogen production reactor to the operating temperature and adjust the porosity, water-to-methanol ratio, catalyst mass and methanol molar flow rate ratio. S2: Feed reaction: A mixture of methanol and water is fed into the inlet channel, causing it to undergo a reforming reaction within the topology optimization unit. The heat of reaction is evenly distributed through the branch channel structure. S3: Product control: Monitor the reaction process to ensure that the methanol conversion rate and hydrogen yield meet the requirements; S4: Product collection: Collect hydrogen-rich gas from the outlet channel and purify it.

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