Experimental investigation on a methane fuel processor for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

This study presents experimental study on a novel methane fuel processing system for hydrogen (H2) production. The unit includes into a single package the autothermal reformer, the CO shift converter, the preferential oxidation reactor and the internal heat exchangers. Effects of operative conditions, related to the H2 productivity, on the performances, were investigated experimentally, in order to evaluate the integration of the fuel processor with a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) system for residential applications. The sensitivity analysis showed that the overall performance is strongly dependent upon the operative conditions considered.

► A 5 Nm3 h−1 hydrogen generator from methane has been developed and tested. ► Flexibility of utilization was investigated for integration with a PEFC. ► Good working of the prototype at a nominal H2 productivity of 5 Nm3 h−1. ► Performance deterioration was observed at lower and at higher productivity levels. ► Heat management improvement is needed for a better flexibility of utilization.