Compact and Efficient Logistic Fuel (CELF) Reformer

To effectively use fuel cells in military and commercial applications, diesel fuel and JP-8 need to be reformed in a reliable and highly efficient reformer. Altex Technologies Corporation (Altex) and Pennsylvania State University (PSU) have identified the Compact and Efficient Logistic Fuel (CELF) Reformer that overcomes the fuel sulfur and carbon formation tendencies of logistic fuels and transforms these into a reformate suitable for SOFCs. Under a Phase I SBIR effort, analysis and testing was used to show the feasibility of CELF Reformer. In particular, the substantial JP-8 data generated under a DARPA supported Logistic Fuel Preprocessor and Reformer were augmented with diesel fuel testing and design analysis to show the feasibility of developing a 2 kWe compact and efficient reformer for SOFC applications. Under the proposed Phase II SBIR effort this design will be refined, CELF components will be fabricated, tested and integrated to demonstrate the CELF operation on JP-8 and diesel fuels. After this laboratory demonstration, the unit will be delivered to the Army Research Laboratory for independent testing.