MINIATURE HYDROGEN GENERATOR.
Abstract
A mathematical analysis was made of the heat and mass balance relations in systems generating hydrogen from combat gasoline, JP-4 and diesel fuel. Processes considered were, (a) high and low pressure steam reforming, (b) high and low pressure partial oxidation, and (c) thermal cracking. In general, JP-4 and gasoline are preferred fuels over diesel fuel in terms of hydrogen generation. Fuel efficiency, based on engineering analysis of typical systems, favors the steam reformer system. Engineering complexity, particularly in terms of miniaturization requirements, indicates the thermal cracking approach may prove the most feasible for construction of miniature hydrogen generators in the range needed to provide hydrogen for 10-200 watt fuel cells. A laboratory thermal cracking apparatus was built and preliminary experiments run. Hydrogen yields up to 3.8 SCF per 100 ml. of JP-4 were obtained with a gas product of 93 per cent H2 and the balance methane. Reaction temperatures in excess of 1100C were required to give H2 concentrations above 85 per cent. Above 1000C, essentially no hydrocarbons other than methane were produced. Combat gasoline gave results similar to JP-4. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0627337
Entities
People
- Jack E. Rothfleisch
- Lawrence M. Litz