Jet Fuel Desulfurization for Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are capable of utilizing energy-dense hydrocarbon fuels such as jet fuels for highly efficient power generation. Currently, a major challenge for using the jet fuel (e.g. JP-8) in SOFC power systems is its sulfur content, which poisons the SOFC anode and fuel reforming catalysts. The reduction of sulfur to <1 ppmw is generally desired and required to ensure reliable SOFC operation. Our research aimed at developing a lightweight, compact desulfurization reactor for onboard application in portable fuel cell systems. After several versions of improvements, including the use of a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing method, we have developed a miniature one-piece stainless-steel reactor which can remove >99.5% sulfur in the jet fuel with the final sulfur concentrations close to a sub-ppm level. The reactor could be adapted to the desulfurization of other liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel.