Numerical modeling of magnetic fixed-bed reactors: Performance comparison with conventional systems in endo- and exothermic regimes

Electrification of the chemical industry is a key pathway to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions when powered by renewable energy sources. Among emerging heating technologies, magnetic catalysis, which consists in the direct and selective heating of catalytic beds by induction, is expected to bring advances in terms of energy efficiency and control. This work develops and validates a dynamic one-dimensional numerical model of magnetically heated fixed-bed reactors. Three distinct temperature profiles were considered (gas, catalytic bed, and walls), while heat generation was localized directly in the magnetic bed. The model was used to compare the dynamic and steady-state behavior of three reactors: induction-heated, shell-and-tube, and resistance-heated. Simulations were conducted for two representative applications, the - exothermal - methanation reaction and the - endothermal - reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Simulation results highlight the substantial benefits of magnetic catalysis compared to the two other technologies: faster start-up (up to 6 times faster), lower bulk fluid and wall temperatures (∼50K), as well as significant delivered thermal energy savings (up to 50% in steady state and 7-fold reduction in start-up). In addition, the benefit of using magnetic catalysis as a stabilization strategy for exothermic reactions is demonstrated: direct bed heating reduces thermal inertia, enabling fast dynamic control, improved stabilization and response to disturbance, and increased (up to double) product yields within safe operating conditions. The model is a robust tool for the design and scale-up of magnetic fixed-bed reactors, supporting future advances in sustainable chemical manufacturing.