Hydrogen Production Process Intensification Technology

The widespread use of hydrogen for transportation and stationary power will require cost effective and energy efficient processes. Regardless of the method of hydrogen generation, the hydrogen supply system requires purification and pressurization. Currently, complex, capital intensive, and inefficient compressors and clean up sub-systems, which were designed for high volume gas handling operations, are being used in lower volume applications such as for use in fuel cells. If the clean up and compression stages were combined into a single, low cost, efficient device, DOE cost targets for hydrogen could be met. This project will integrate a low pressure, high temperature, membrane electrochemical hydrogen separation and pressurization technology into a single device for the separation and purification of hydrogen from reformed natural gas and biomass-like fuel sources. Phase I will modify the existing pump hardware and implement advanced mechanically-reinforced high-temperature membranes to generate the required gas quality and pressure. Proof-of-concept laboratory demonstrations will be performed. Phase II will incorporate the advancements from the Phase I prototype ¿system¿ and develop larger scale devices. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The electrochemical pump should provide an efficient and cost effective method for separating hydrogen from natural gas and biomass fuel sources, as required for use in membrane fuel cells, thereby facilitating the transition of hydrogen as a transportation fuel