Introduction to Fuel Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a thorough analysis of the important aspects of fuel-processing technology. Fuel cells are essentially continuously operating batteries, which generate electricity from a fuel, such as hydrogen, and an oxidant, such as air. Each type of fuel cell is designed to meet a different application. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell is being pursued by a number of companies because of its low operating temperature, response to transients, and compact size, which make it desirable for a number of residential, commercial, and military applications. Solid oxide fuel cells are being developed for small-scale stationary power applications, auxiliary power units for vehicles, and mobile generators for civilian as well as military applications. The purpose of a fuel processor is to convert a commonly available fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas, into a gas stream containing primarily, or only, the compound(s) required by the fuel cell. The fuel to power the fuel cells can, in principle, be a wide range of oxidizable compounds, such as hydrogen, CO, CH4, and methanol. Because each type of fuel cell requires a different fuel, the fuel processor must be designed to match the fuel cell. There are three predominant modes of catalytic reforming: partial oxidation, steam reforming, and oxidative steam reforming. All three involve oxidation of the hydrocarbon fuel to produce a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas.

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