Evaluation of Adiabatic Reformer in Mixed-Gas-Cycle.
Abstract
The work under this program investigated two different approaches to fuels processing for military fuel cell power plants. One process was evaluated relative to the requirements for a tactical family of power plants, specifically, the ability to operate on high sulfur logistic fuels content, potential for multi-fuel operation, and freedom from the need for water supply or water recovery. The second process, also for operation on sulfur-containing logistic fuel, had as its key evaluation criteria high efficiency and reliability. This process was to be used in power plants located at fixed sites where fuel and maintenance support transportation costs represent a significant portion of the power plant's life-cycle-cost. Other factors that weighed heavily in the selection were development status and a development cost. The process for tactical power plant applications, adiabatic reforming in a mixed gas-cycle, was shown to be a basis for meeting the requirements of this application. Thermodynamic analyses established an operating regime and performance goals for the reformer as used in this process. Tests of a two-pound per-hour reactor (2-kW equivalent) showed that operation in this regime was satisfactory. Operation on sulfur-containing diesel fuel, methanol, and contaminated methanol were demonstrated. The test program included analysis of the product gas composition, determination of the effect of impurities in the fuel cell exhaust on reactor performance, and the effect of total pressure on reactor performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA134224
Entities
People
- A. P. Meyer
- E. C. Swift
- J. A. S. Bett
- L. L. Van Dine
- R. R. Lesieur
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation