Logistic Fuel Micro-Reformer

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop a compact catalytic reactor based on the proprietary Microlithr catalytic substrate technology for autothermal reforming (ATR) of JP-8 and diesel fuel at the 0.5 - 2 kWe scale. The size of the catalytic reactor is expected to be about 6 in3 (2 D-cell batteries) and weigh < 100 grams. The reformate mixture exiting the reactor will have temperature of about 700 C such that it can be directly feed into a downstream SOFC resulting in a compact and efficient power system. The operating conditions for the ATR reactor operation will be optimized to provide complete conversion of the fuel with thermal efficiency above 70%. The amount of steam required by the ATR will be minimized to operate on water recycled from the downstream SOFC. In this program the ATR reactor performance will be demonstrated and the requirements for the integrated system will be analyzed.