OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND PERFORMANCE TEST RESULTS OF A CATALYTIC 50-kWe AUTOTHERMAL FUEL PROCESSOR SYSTEM

摘要

Development of a compact, efficient and low-cost processor for converting carbon-based fuels to hydrogen is an important aspect of the successful implementation of fuel cells for stationary or transportation applications. McDermott Technology, Inc. (MTI), Catalytica Energy Systems, Inc (CESI) and NexTech Materials, Ltd. under co-sponsorship of the U. S. Department of Energy have teamed to develop an integrated, catalytic autothermal fuel processor for automotive applications. A catalyst-based reforming approach for fuel processing can provide fast start-up and transient response, high efficiency and compactness.