A Compact Membrane Reactor Methanol Reformer

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells require a relatively pure, concentrated hydrogen stream, with very low levels of sulfur and carbon monoxide (CO) in order to prevent poisoning of the fuel cell anode catalyst. In addition, removing inerts and impurities (such as CO2) from the hydrogen feed to the fuel cell increases a fuel cell's electrical conversion efficiency. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA), in collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines proposes to develop a compact membrane reactor-reformer that converts a sulfur-free methanol feed into a high purity hydrogen fuel that could be readily used by a 20 W PEM fuel cell. In Phase I project, we will develop a thin film membrane and an effective catalyst to demonstrate the operation of an integrated membrane reactor-methanol reformer in a breadboard system. We will also carry out a preliminary design of the overall fuel processor to produce the required hydrogen flow rate to run a 20 We PEM fuel cell.