Hydrogen Separation from a Logistic-Fuel Reformate Stream Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-040 Topic Title: Hydrogen Separation from a Logistic-Fuel Reformate Stream Proposal No.: N051-040-0650 Firm: CellTech Power, Inc. 131 Flanders Road Westborough, Massachusetts 01581 Contact: Reinder Boersma Phone: (508) 898-2223 Web Site: www.celltechpower.com Abstract: A two step reforming process for diesel type fuels with high sulfur content is proposed. In the first step the fuel is passed through an electric arc, as a result of which the fuel decomposes into mainly hydrogen carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water. To prevent soot formation a certain amount of air is added to the fuel. The process is called plasma reforming, and has demonstrated high tolerance to sulfur. In the second step the fuel is passed over a dense membrane that has is conducting to oxygen ions and electrons. On the other side of the membrane steam with a small amount of hydrogen passes. Since both streams contain very small concentrations of oxygen, but the concentration on the hydrogen side can be 1000 times higher than on the reformate side, a gradient results that gives rise to a flow of oxygen ions through the membrane. The oxygen is removed from the steam and so hydrogen is left behind. Thus steam is dissociated electrochemically whereby the energy for the process is derived from electrochemical oxidation of the reformate. The membrane is coated with electrochemically active layers. On the reformate side is a ceramic material, La-Ce-SrTiO3, that has shown desirable characteristics in high sulfur environments. Since both processes take place at the same temperature and ambient pressure an integrated, compact design approach is foreseen. Benefits: The performance of practically all fuel cells suffers dramatically when exposed to sulfur containing fuels. The proposed technology isolates the fuel cell from sulfur entirely. Since a pure hydrogen steam is formed the hydrogen utilization can be close to 100%, leading to a more effective use of the already expensive fuel cell. The technology may benefit systems technology for fuel cell types such as Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEM), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC). PEM and AFC in particular will benefit from high hydrogen content fuels, as they are on the verge of a market breakthrough but are struggling with complex high cost ancillary components. The proposed technology is simple, compact and has good load following capability, and has the potential for fast heat-up and thermal cycling. Return