A process simulation study of a newly designed fuel processing system for a high temperature PEM fuel cell unit

Fuel cells can be one of the ideal technologies for micro-cogeneration and also for Uninterruptible Power Supply systems (UPS) especially in terms of high reliability, low environmental impact and size flexibility. A micro-cogeneration system provides electricity and heat whereas UPS system provides electricity during a shortcut. Since those units have capacities of 1-5 kWe, they are developed for residential applications. Both UPS and micro-chp units for high temperature PEM fuel cell should contain a fuel processor which converts natural gas, LPG or other hydrocarbons into hydrogen rich (up to 50%molar) synthesis gases via reforming and water-gas shift reactions. These units also contain an afterburner fueled by PEM anode off-gas to provide preheating of inlet streams of hydrogen production reactor.