Hydrogen Production via Autothermal Reforming of Diesel Fuel

摘要

Hydrogen for the operation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be produced by means of the autothermal reforming of liquid hydrocarbons. Experiments especially with ATR Type 4, which produces a molar hydrogen stream equivalent to an electrical power in the fuel cell of 3 kW_(et), showed that the process should be preferably run in the temperature range between 700℃ and 850℃. This ensures complete hydrocarbon conversion and avoids the formation of considerable amounts of methane and organic compounds in the product water. Experiments concerning the dynamic behavior of the reformer proved that within 60 s after the addition of water and hydrocarbons the reformer reached 95 % of its maximum molar hydrogen flow. Experiments with commercial diesel showed promising results but insufficient long-term stability. Future experiments will focus on the improvement of system integration and dynamics. Modeling is being performed aiming at modifications of the mixing chamber of ATR Type 5 which will help to amend the homogeneous blending of diesel fuel with air and water in the mixing chamber.