Selective Laser Ionization Process

To address the U.S. Navy need to extract sulfur contaminants in support of hydrogen separation from a logistics fuel reformate stream, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Selective Laser Ionization Process (SLIP) module that can be directly implemented in Navy fuel cell power generation plants. This module performs selective laser photoionization of the sulfur-containing gas species, followed by separation in an electric field. After the sulfur is removed, the rest of the hydrogen extraction process, which is quite straightforward, can be completed with existing, small, light, commercial off-the-shelf components. The SLIP module therefore significantly reduces energy consumption and system size, and does not require removal or replenishment of adsorbents. The SLIP module can be designed to match the sulfur content of NATO F-76 logistics fuel (up to 10,000 ppm), producing hydrogen with a purity level sufficient for fuel cells. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the SLIP module by assembling a proof-of-concept prototype and experimentally quantifying the key process parameters. In Phase II POC will build and operate an engineering prototype for 50 kWe-scale hydrogen separator to prove the potential for compactness, efficiency, and scalability to 500 kW level fuel cell power plants.