Naval Aviation Logistic Fuel Desulfurizer, Reformer and Power System

Under the Phase I effort, Altex and PSU demonstrated the feasibility of a JP-5 logistic fuel desulfurization unit for flight-worthy fuel-cell applications. This design is called the Naval Aviation Logistic Fuel Desulfurizer (NAVLFD). Under the proposed Phase II and Option efforts, the TRL of the NAVLFD will be raised to TRL 5. In order to rigorously test the NAVLFD and build a representative system for evaluation testing at the NAVAIR laboratory facility, the NAVLFD will be integrated with developed Altex reformer and ClearEdge Power (CEP) fuel-cell components to form the Naval Aviation Logistic Fuel Power (NAVLFP) system. Under the Phase II Base Program, Naval Aviation Logistic Fuel Reformer (NAVLFR) will be developed by integrating a scaled-up NAVLFD fuel preprocessor (FPP) and a fuel processor (FP) mostly developed under ongoing synergistic projects at Altex. Under the Option 1 Program, the NAVLFR will be tested with a proven high-temperature polymer-electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel-cell stack at TRL-4. Under the Option 2 Program, the NAVLFR and the HT-PEM fuel-cell stack will be integrated at TRL-5 to produce the NAVLFP. The NAVLFP will be tested at Altex and delivered to NAVAIR for simulated field testing. Results of Phase II will provide a basis for commercializing the system for Navy aviation and other applications that require a ruggedized power system operating on distillate fuels.