Advanced Hydrogen Reformate Stream Purifier for Fuel Cell Applications

Design of the electrical-equivalent hydrogen flow (EEHF) prototype hydrogen reformate purification system using modular spiral-wound membrane canisters to operate at 140„aC to 180„aC over the pressure range 1 atms to 4 atms with a volumetric density of 250 W/L. Development of a prototype purifier system incorporating the membrane separation technology developed by Professor Ho at Ohio State University will resolve the impurity limitations attendant with the reforming of logistic fuels and deliver a fuel cell quality hydrogen stream for shipboard applications. The feasibility of scale-up to continuous membrane manufacture to fabricate sufficient membrane for the manufacture of spiral-wound membrane modules for a 250kW EEHF prototype hydrogen purification system is an objective of this effort. The feasibility of the design of a compact prototype spiral-wound membrane module that meets the 250 W/L volumetric density targets will build on the spiral-wound membrane technology well established for desalination technology. The BOP system design will address optimize the performance of the membrane separation technology. The feasibility of testing a 250kW prototype hydrogen will be evaluated and costs for such demonstration determined. The development approach, performance goals, and schedule containing discrete milestones for product development will be identified and contained in a phase II submission.