Abstract
Micro reformers still face obstacles in minimizing their size, decreasing the concentration of CO, conversion efficiency and the feasibility of integrated fabrication with fuel cells. By using a micro temperature sensor fabricated on a stainless steel-based micro reformer, this work attempts to measure the inner temperature and increase the conversion efficiency. Micro temperature sensors on a stainless steel substrate are fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and then placed separately inside the micro reformer. Micro temperature sensors are characterized by their higher accuracy and sensitivity than those of a conventional thermocouple. To the best of our knowledge, micro temperature sensors have not been embedded before in micro reformers and commercial products, therefore, this work presents a novel approach to integrating micro temperature sensors in a stainless steel-based micro reformer in order to evaluate inner local temperature distributions and enhance reformer performance.
Highlights
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) use hydrogen and oxygen as fuel
Hydrogen can be produced from non-fossil fuels, in which the main processes are water splitting, photoelectrochemical water splitting [1,2] and a few of other methods
As a metal conductor with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), the resistance of an resistance temperature detector (RTD) increases with an increasing environmental temperature
Summary
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) use hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. In this process, oxygen can be produced from the atmosphere, and hydrogen can be produced from fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be produced from non-fossil fuels, in which the main processes are water splitting, photoelectrochemical water splitting [1,2] and a few of other methods. Methanol is a more attractive liquid fuel for use in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell due to its high degree of safety in terms of storage and portability, high carbon/hydrogen ratio, high power density and low temperature reforming capability (250 ~ 300 °C) [3]. Depending on the available technology, persistent problems on the application side include the starting time, power density, and difficulty in producing hydrogen efficiently and continuously
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