A Novel Liquid Hydrogen/Oxygen Co-generator

NASA¿s objective for affordable access to space requires inexpensive production of rocket fuel. The key to achieving this objective is the production of hydrogen, since hydrogen accounts for more than 80% of the fuel cost. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA), collaborating with Louisiana State University (LSU), proposes a novel hydrogen production method that offers significant advantages over conventional hydrogen manufacturing technologies, including process simplification, milder reforming reaction conditions, elimination of the need for shift catalysts, and improved energy efficiency. The novel process can use a very low steam-to-carbon ratio in the steam reforming process to decrease the cost of operation. The key research problem is the development of a catalyst that can operate effectively in the reformer under the process conditions. In Phase I, TDA will formulate the catalyst, determine its activity under simulated conditions and evaluate the economics of the process. ~990115 ~