Compact fuel processors for fuel cell powered automobiles based on microchannel technology

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2001 · Fuel Cells Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S1464-2859(01)80001-8· OSTI ID:1508152

Wegeng, Robert S.; Pederson, Larry R.; TeGrotenhuis, Ward E.; Whyatt, Greg A.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington are currently developing microchannel heat exchangers, reactors, and separators as components for compact hydrogen generators for fuel cells. This effort, funded by DOE's Office of Transportation Technology, is now demonstrating high performance in compact units. Over the past year, the project team has concentrated most of its effort on the demonstration of an overall microchannel steam reforming system, including four microchannel steam reformers and more than 24 microchannel heat exchangers, which as a system are intended to provide both high energy efficiencies and high power densities. Work is also under way on other microchannel components that may ultimately find value within an automotive fuel processing system or within distributed power systems.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1508152
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-33893
• Journal Information: Fuel Cells Bulletin, Journal Name: Fuel Cells Bulletin Journal Issue: 28 Vol. 3; ISSN 1464-2859
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Fuel Cells
Heat Exchangers
Reactors
Separators
High Energy Efficiencies
High Power Densities