Microchannel based fuel processor

This project addresses the critical need for portable hydrogen generators for small proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of using microchannel based fuel processors. Microchannel reactor designs offerattractive advantages of miniaturization, integration, and heat management. The phase I feasibility demonstration will focus on developing a microchannel reactor and improved catalyst for the water gas shift (WGS) reaction. The WGS reactor is a criticalcomponent, constituting the largest portion of the volume, mass, and cost of the fuel processor system. T/J Technologies will collaborate with the University of Michigan (UM), combining the Company's expertise in supported catalysts and portable powersupply development with leading edge UM technology in fuel processor and microchannel reactor systems. Methods will be devised to produce catalysts and integrate them into microchannel reactors. It is anticipated that microchannel reactors with improvedWGS catalysts will lead to improved hydrogen generation performance with reduced volume, mass and cost compared to conventional fuel processors. In phase II, the microchannel reactor concept will be extended to the additional fuel processor stagesincluding the steam reformer and preferential oxidizer. A laboratory prototype of an integrated microchannel fuel processor will be constructed and demonstrated. Improved compact fuel processors will facilitate the production of portable 15 - 300 W powersources to support individual soldiers on extended missions. Private sector applications include use in auxiliary power units for hybrid vehicles, tractor-trailers, boats, RV's, etc. It is likely that the technology will also scale to smaller 1 - 10 Wpower units which have immense market potential for portable electronic devices such as cell phones and palm/laptop computers.