Cost-Effective High-Efficiency Advanced Reforming Module (CHARM)

摘要

Over the past 5 years, Nuvera Fuel Cells conducted a development program to advance fuel processing technology for distributed hydrogen generation. This work performed under a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is called CHARMTM (Cost-effective High-efficiency Advanced Reforming Module). The CHARM program goals focused on the development and demonstration of an advanced fuel processor module for stationary applications and development of next-generation system concepts. The main drivers included addressing the special durability concerns of these frequently-cycled fuel processors while achieving efficient operation and the lowest life cycle cost (LCC) to the customer. An extensive design effort started with a system definition and modeling effort. Nuvera then worked in an iterative manner with the mechanical design, materials selection, and catalyst selection to build and test a complete fuel processor. Several generations of fuel processors were used in the CHARM program and the latest design is the core enabling technology of Nuvera's PowerTap hydrogen generation system. While the primary focus of the PowerTap system (rated 57 kg H2/day) is in material handling applications, Nuvera analysis indicate that it can support small automotive fleets of up to 76 fuel cell vehicles. The fuel processor was tested for many performance metrics including efficiency and durability, both independently and in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory who audited the results.