Electric Reaction-Towers for flexible operation of endothermic reactions under variable power and feed supply rates

作者：Edwin A. Rodriguez-Gil, Rakesh Agrawal · 发表于：Cell Reports Physical Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102771 · 被引用次数：2 · 研究领域：Machine Learning in Materials Science、Process Optimization and Integration、Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation

The chemical industry is facing increasing pressure to achieve net-zero emissions while meeting the rising global demand. Renewable power sources, such as solar or wind, offer a lower-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. However, their variable nature challenges the ability of conventional endothermic industrial reactors to maintain consistent product selectivity and yield. To address this issue, we introduce Electric Reaction-Towers (ERTs)—a reactor configuration featuring individually powered heating stages within a reactor tube. ERTs dynamically adjust their effective reaction length in response to changing power and feed flow rates, thereby maintaining key dimensionless groups that govern product composition under varying input conditions. This article presents the ERT concept, explores its underlying principles, and outlines strategies for its design and operation. Beyond managing feed and power variations, ERTs enable tailored heat profiles, modularity, and a simplified control strategy, making them a promising solution for integrating endothermic reactions with renewable energy.