Abstract
This paper reports the findings of a FP7/FCH JU project (ReforCELL) that developed materials (catalysts and membranes) and an advance autothermal membrane reformer for a micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system of 5 kWel based on a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this project, an active, stable and selective catalyst was developed for the reactions of interest and its production was scaled up to kg scale (TRL5 (TRL: Technology Readiness Level)). Simultaneously, new membranes for gas separation were developed. In particular, dense supported thin palladium-based membranes were developed for hydrogen separation from reactive mixtures. These membranes were successfully scaled up to TRL4 and used in lab-scale reactors for fluidized bed steam methane reforming (SMR) and autothermal reforming (ATR) and in a prototype reactor for ATR. Suitable sealing techniques able to integrate the different membranes in lab-scale and prototype reactors were also developed. The project also addressed the design and optimization of the subcomponents (BoP) for the integration of the membrane reformer to the fuel cell system.
Highlights
Major concerns on anthropogenic CO2 emissions and related greenhouse effect have pushed several governments to support greenhouse gas emission reduction policies
polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) m-Combined heat and power (CHP) steam methane reforming (SMR) and autothermal reforming (ATR) correspond to the Results for the yearly consumption of 14 dwellings
PEMFC micro combined heat and power (m-CHP) SMR and ATR correspond to the standard PEMFC systems
Summary
Major concerns on anthropogenic CO2 emissions and related greenhouse effect have pushed several governments to support greenhouse gas emission reduction policies. The aim of the ReforCELL project was to develop a highly efficient polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell micro Combined Heat and Power cogeneration system (net energy efficiency >42% and overall efficiency >90%) based on a novel, more efficient and cheaper hydrogen reformer production unit together with the new design of the subcomponent for the BoP. This new high efficiency PEM fuel cell m-CHP system is based on the design, construction and testing of an advanced membrane reactor for pure hydrogen production (5 Nm3 /h) from reforming. Results are consistent with available information of commercial systems based on this technology [26,27,28,29]
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