Institute CNR/TAE has developed a hydrogen generator (from light hydrocarbons like methane, LPG) for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell, named HYGEN II, in order to overcome the main limits of the hydrocarbons steam reforming technology, for residential use. The proposed solution is based on autothermal reforming reactions.
HYGen II can reach a nominal hydrogen production of 5 Nm3h-1 (from methane, propane, LPG, butane) with a maximum hydrogen production of 8.5 Nm3h-1. The net size (mm) of the fuel processor is 636 (width) x 868 (length) x 1350 (height).
The prototype is based on three catalytic reaction steps: the Autothermal Reforming (ATR), the Intermediate Water Gas Shift (ITWS) and the Preferential Oxidation (PROX). Experimental tests have been carried out with a proprietary Pt/CeO2 catalyst for the autothermal reforming (ATR) step coupled with commercial catalysts for intermediate water gas shit (ITWS) and preferential oxidation (PROX). The related efficiency of the prototype (calculated as hydrogen higher heating value on propane higher heating value) reaches about 76 %.
The proposed prototype satisfies some of the requests of a proper hydrogen generator, like good propane conversion and H2 production, small unit size, improved thermal and mass transfer, very simple system management.
A management unit to monitor operating conditions and control plant equipment has been successfully designed, realized and tested.
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