Fuel Flexible Reformer

The capability of reforming full-spec JP-8 containing up to 3000 ppmw sulfur in a lightweight and compact package, without any upstream sulfur cleanup, was demonstrated. A new approach, recently developed by PCI was used for sulfur cleanup. Operation of the reformer with multiple fuels including diesel and other distillate fuels was also established. Balance of plant (BOP) components were tested to confirm minimum parasitics and water neutral operation. Suitability of producing both solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and (with WGSR) HT-PEM quality reformate was demonstrated. Separately, the reformate was tested with SOFC"s for 500 hrs total. A detailed Fuel Cell Generator design capable of operating between 350 We to 1 kWe was developed. The projected net fuel-to-electric efficiency was ~36 - 38%. During Phase 2, a fully-packaged, TRL-6, fuel-flexible, 1 kWe Fuel Reformer System integrated with associated BOP components will be demonstrated and delivered to the Army. Performance of the reformer integrated with a SOFC stack in a breadboard configuration will also be confirmed via a TRL-4 demonstration. In a follow on Phase III effort, the complete Fuel Cell Generator will be matured to TRL-6 and a prototype demonstrated, with MIL-SPEC compliance, to support Small Tactical Electric Power (STEP) goals.