Design and analysis of an integrated autothermal reforming and HT-PEMFC system for automotive application

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance and efficiency of an integrated autothermal reforming and HT-PEMFC system fuelled by methane for automotive applications. The autothermal reforming (ATR), which has higher reaction rate at an initial period than a steam reforming and can be operated without external heat unit to supply heat for the reforming process, is chosen as a fuel processor. The HT-PEMFC and methane autothermal reformer systems with and without a CO removal process are considered. The operating parameters, such as reformer temperature, inlet temperature and steam to carbon ratio (S/C), are key factors to achieve a high system efficiency. The results indicate that the HTPEMFC system without a CO removal process should be operated under low reformer temperatures and high S/C ratio. The optimal operating conditions of the autothermal reformer and the system efficiency for different system designs are reported. Copyright © 2013 Delta Energy and Environment.