High Efficiency Fuel Cell Reformer for Logistics Fuels

"Fuel cell systems are being considered for naval vessels, including surface ships and submarines, for propulsion, auxiliary, and emergency power generation. The use of logistic diesel fuels as a source of hydrogen for PEM fuel cells would allowimplementation of fuel cell technology without substantial changes to the fuel supply infrastructure. Fuel processors are required to convert the fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas with little or no sulfur or carbon monoxide, which are poisons to the fuelcell. Thus, efficient sulfur removal technologies are needed to minimize system size, complexity and cost. One of the desired attributes of such a desulfurization system would be operation at relatively high temperatures and approaches that would allowuninterrupted operation. In this SBIR project, NexTech Materials proposes to develop high-capacity and regenerable sulfur sorbents that operate at high temperatures. In Phase II, we will design and construct a prototype desulfurization system, anddemonstrate the operation of this system in a prototype logistic fuel processor. This program, if successful, will lead to the development of efficient desulfurization systems for use in logistic fuel processors needed for PEM fuel cell systems The primaryadvantages of fuel cell power generation for naval vessels include increased efficiency, lower weight and smaller size, less pollution, and reduced acoustic signature. Commercial applications of the sor