Detailed analysis of Integrated Steam Ethanol Reformer and High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Utilisation of hydrocarbon fuels as a source of hydrogen for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a possible solution for the demand for hydrogen infrastructure. Ethanol, which is considered to be a domestic and renewable fuel, is a potential source in this regard. Its use as a source of hydrogen production has received appreciations in recent years. For agriculture based countries such as India, China, Brazil, etc., where ethanol can be produced abundantly, this development serves as a boon to meet their future energy demands. This study presents the analysis of high-temperature PEMFC stack integration into a combined system with Steam Ethanol Reformer (SER). One dimensional mathematical model of the integrated system is developed. Performance of the system is studied methodically by varying the operating parameters such as temperature and steam to carbon ratio (S/C) of the SER, temperature of PEMFC and pressure of the system. In addition, the necessity of a Water Gas Shift (WGS) reactor to function as a carbon monoxide removal unit for pre-treating the reformate gas before it is fed to the high temperature PEMFC is also investigated in this study. The S/C ratio and reformer temperature do not affect the performance of the system considerably as long as the fuel processor unit contains WGS reactor along with the reformer. Inclusion of WGS reactor shows a positive influence on the performance of the fuel processor unit. A higher fuel cell temperature and pressure provides a higher voltage more prominently at higher current densities.