Résumé:
The transition toward sustainable energy systems requires the development of efficient and
environmentally friendly technologies for hydrogen production and utilization. Hydrogen, with its
high energy density and clean electrochemical conversion into electricity in fuel cells, represents
a promising energy carrier for future transportation, power generation, and industrial applications.
However, conventional production methods remain energy-intensive and carbon-dependent,
motivating the investigation of alternative approaches.
Non-thermal plasmas, particularly dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs), offer a promising
route for methane conversion and hydrogen production under near-ambient conditions without
external heating. In this work, a comprehensive fluid-based plasma model was developed to
investigate the behavior of an Ar/CH₄ dielectric barrier discharge. The model incorporates electron
energy kinetics, detailed plasma chemistry, and self-consistent transport equations for charged
species and electric fields. Parametric simulations were performed to analyze the influence of
applied voltage, frequency, and gas composition on discharge dynamics, radical formation,
methane conversion, and hydrogen yield. The results demonstrate that argon addition enhances
plasma stability and electron density through metastable-assisted processes, improving hydrogen
selectivity at intermediate mixing ratios.
In a complementary investigation, hydrogen utilization was examined through a Multiphysics
model of an anode-supported SOFC. The coupled analysis of mass transport, electrochemical
reactions, and thermal effects provided insights into the influence of fuel composition,
stoichiometric ratio, and operating temperature on electrochemical performance. The results
highlight the sensitivity of cell efficiency and current distribution to hydrogen availability and
operating conditions.
Overall, this thesis presents two complementary modeling investigations addressing key
stages of the hydrogen energy pathway: plasma-assisted production and electrochemical
conversion. Although developed independently, these studies contribute to a broader
understanding of hydrogen-based energy technologies and support the advancement of cleaner
energy systems
