PEM (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) fuel cells require hydrogen as fuel. As an alternative to distribution and storage of pure hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles, on-board fuel processors have been proposed to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline. Fuel cell engines with on-board hydrogen generation have unique technical challenges to make a transition from internal combustion engines transparent to the eventual user. In addition to the proposed gains in thermal efficiency and emissions, these systems must also achieve the same power density, startup time, mechanical durability, and manufactured cost of current prime movers. The commercialization of fuel cell engines is dependent on the ability to meet all of these goals. At Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc. has been made progress by simplifying the fuel processor design and by reducing the size of the hardware while still maintaining high hydrogen generation efficiency and power. This paper describes the current status of the automotive fuel processor, STAR (Substrate-based Transportation Autothermal Reformer), as well as the view of what challenges need to be overcome to meet the goals for practical automotive integration. The design of the STAR fuel processor focuses on high power density with respect to previous designs. Results from the laboratory testing of the unit are also presented.
On-board gasoline fuel processor - STAR
Bord-Benzinbrennstoffprozessor - STAR
2003
8 Seiten, 3 Bilder
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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