The possibility of a carbon dioxide zero-emission fuel cell system using a thermally regenerative reformer was discussed experimentally. A regenerative fuel reformer was examined using a flow-type packed-bed reactor containing a reforming catalyst and calcium oxide for methane steam reforming under atmospheric pressure. The performance of the reformer was studied and compared with that of a common fuel reformer. The methane reforming, carbon monoxide shifting and calcium oxide carbonation proceeded simultaneously in the reactor. The carbonation of calcium oxide fixed the carbon dioxide generated through the reforming, and the hydrogen purity of effluent gas was raised beyond the equilibrium amount of a conventional fuel reformer. Because the exothermic carbonation heat compensated for the endothermic steam reforming, the reforming was able to proceed at a lower temperature than the working temperature of a conventional reformer. At 550 deg C, the reformer demonstrated 94 % hydrogen production and concentration of less than 1% each of CO and CO2. The required amount of CaO for the reformer was expected to be similar to the total weight of methane and water as fuel resources. The regenerative reformer system can be used in a vehicle fuel cell system, making a CO2 zero-emission vehicle achievable. It can also improve the efficient utilization of surplus thermal energy and surplus electricity.
Thermally regenerative fuel reformer for a zero-emission vehicle system
2003
7 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 5 Quellen
Conference paper
English
"HYTEC" - A Thermally Regenerative Fuel Cell
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993
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