Cross-Flow Microchannel Combustor for Heat Transfer in Logistics Fuel Reformer

"In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, InnovaTek will develop and demonstrate a novel catalytic microchannel combustion system configured for cross-flow operation. The microchannel combustor will be capable achieving high heattransfer rates and will provide a uniform temperature profile in microreactor channel. These advantages provide the opportunity to achieve efficiency improvements in catalytic microchannel reformer process resulting in reduced size and weight for largerscale layered reformer systems. In Phase I, mathematical and CFD process models for combustor operation and heat transfer performance will be developed. These models will provide the basis for design and fabrication of a single-plate microchannelprototype system for testing microchannel combustion characteristics. Experience gained from this testing will be factored into the model and used to design and fabricate a multi-plate combustor. This prototype will be used in a "proof-of-concept" test todemonstrate system durability in continuous operation for at least 24 hours. In Phase II, the concept will be scaled into a multi-layered, fully integrated fuel processor system capable of supplying pure hydrogen to a 1 kW PEM fuel cell for electricalgeneration. Designs and plans will be developed for scale-up to 500 kW systems. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells offer an attractive opportunity to provide a portable, quiet and efficie