Fuel processing for fuel cell power systems

Abstract

Fuel processors to produce hydrogen from conventional and alternative fuels are being developed for use in fuel cell power generators. The design of these fuel processors hinges on many factors that include the temperature and pressure required for the conversion, the type and level of by-product that the fuel cell can tolerate, and the duty cycle of the fuel cell power system. This article reviews the types of fuels being considered for fuel cell systems, the reformer technologies being pursued, and the suitability of the reformers for specific applications. The various components needed in the fuel processor have been identified, and some results obtained from the fuel processor development work being conducted at Argonne National Laboratory have been reported.