Reformers for the production of hydrogen from methanol and alternative fuels for fuel cell powered vehicles
The objective of this study was (i) to assess the present state of technology of reformers that convert methanol (or other alternative fuels) to a hydrogen-rich gas mixture for use in a fuel cell, and (ii) to identify the R&D needs for developing reformers for transportation applications. Steam reforming and partial oxidation are the two basic types of fuel reforming processes. The former is endothermic while the latter is exothermic. Reformers are therefore typically designed as heat exchange systems, and the variety of designs used includes shell-and-tube, packed bed, annular, plate, and cyclic bed types. Catalysts used include noble metals and oxides of Cu, Zn, Cr, Al, Ni, and La. For transportation applications a reformer must be compact, lightweight, and rugged. It must also be capable of rapid start-up and good dynamic performance responsive to fluctuating loads. A partial oxidation reformer is likely to be better than a steam reformer based on these considerations, although its fuel conversion efficiency is expected to be lower than that of a steam reformer. A steam reformer better lends itself to thermal integration with the fuel cell system; however, the thermal independence of the reformer from the fuel cell stack is likely to yield much better dynamic performance of the reformer and the fuel cell propulsion power system. For both steam reforming and partial oxidation reforming, research is needed to develop compact, fast start-up, and dynamically responsive reformers. For transportation applications, steam reformers are likely to prove best for fuel cell/battery hybrid power systems, and partial oxidation reformers are likely to be the choice for stand-alone fuel cell power systems.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 10169790
- Report Number(s):
- ANL-92/31; ON: DE92019300
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Aug 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Partial oxidation reforming of methanol
Single-Fuel Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Combustion Enabled by Onboard Fuel Reformation (Final Report)
Related Subjects
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
08 HYDROGEN
METHANOL
CATALYTIC REFORMING
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
PARTIAL OXIDATION PROCESSES
STEAM REFORMER PROCESSES
CHEMICAL REACTORS
ALCOHOL FUEL CELLS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
CATALYSTS
COPPER OXIDES
ZINC OXIDES
CHROMIUM OXIDES
NICKEL OXIDES
LANTHANUM OXIDES
DESIGN
330800
300503
300501
080103
080109
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
MATERIALS, COMPONENTS, AND AUXILIARIES
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT