Conceptual design of an autonomous catalytic generator based on bioethanol steam reforming over the ferrite catalyst

Abstract

The conceptual design of a portable autonomous catalytic hydrogen generator is introduced. The generator is based on the bioethanol steam reforming over the developed ferrite catalyst. The generator admits the utilization of thermal energy of the reaction mixture for vaporization and heating the input water-alcohol mixture. Moreover, the generator is characterized by a simple single-stage design without a stage for hydrogen purification. The generator is capable to produce 1 kW/h of electricity with 0.63 kg/h water/alcohol mixture (50% ethanol) consumption. The energy conversion efficiency of the developed generator is 44%. The proposed hydrogen generator is suitable for various applications related to on-site hydrogen production.