Versatile Logistic Fuel Preprocessor (VLFPP) for Fuel Cell Applications

"The U.S. military needs compact and efficient fuel cell reformers for processing logistic fuels for fuel cell applications. However, reforming logistic fuel is challenging due to the fuel carbon deposition tendencies and its high sulfur level. AltexTechnologies Corporation (Altex) and Pennsylvania State University (PSU) have teamed up to develop the innovative Versatile Logistic Fuel Preprocessor (VLFPP) that converts the logistic fuel to a sulfur free clean fuel with no carbon deposition tendency.VLFPP combines an innovative fuel upgrading approach and a novel sulfur adsorption method. When combined with the available gasoline reformers or current military reformers, VLFPP will be able to use the existing technologies to convert the logistic fuelsto hydrogen. This approach will help implement military fuel cell power systems faster and with less cost. Under the Phase I the VLFPP components will be tested and its design will be refined for integration with the military 5 Kwe mobile APU and 500 Kwestationary fuel cell systems. These activities will demonstrate the feasibility of the VLFPP in enhancing the logistic fuel reforming and provide the basis for demonstrating and delivering a prototype VLFPP/Reformer system in Phase II. VLFPP is a compactand low weight multipurpose unit that can be applied to a variety of military and commercial fuel cell applications. These applications include transportation, portable communications and po