Further development of a microchannel steam reformer for diesel fuel

This paper presents results from the ongoing optimisation of a microchannel steam reformer for diesel fuel which is developed in the framework of the development of a PEM fuel cell system for vehicular applications. Four downscaled reformers with different catalytic coatings of precious metal were operated in order to identify the most favourable catalyst formulation. Diesel surrogate was processed at varying temperatures and steam to carbon ratios (S/C). The reformer performance was investigated considering hydrogen yield, reformate composition, fuel conversion, and deactivation from carbon formation. Complete fuel conversion is obtained with several catalysts. One catalyst in particular is less susceptible to carbon formation and shows a high selectivity.To optimise the reformer geometry, a fifth downscaled reformer was implemented with an increased channel height. In operation the reformer shows advantages in performance and pressure losses in comparison to the original geometry.

► Development of microchannel plate heat exchanger for diesel steam reforming. ► Four precious metal catalysts for diesel steam reforming tested. ► Complete fuel conversion at GHSV = 25,000 h−1 achieved. ► Enhanced resistance to catalyst deactivation observed. ► Increased channel height favourable to reformer performance.