A New Compact Hydrogen Generation Device

The generation of hydrogen from fossil fuels appears to be the best bridge to the hydrogen economy. However, the efficiency of standard hydrogen-generation methods based on steam methane reforming needs to be improved. This project will develop a new compact hydrogen-generation reactor, which uses an oxygen transport membrane to separate oxygen from air. The new generator will combine the current multistep generation of hydrogen from fossil fuels into a single reactor system, significantly reducing the size and cost of hydrogen generation. In Phase I, the following process steps will be studied: (1) the reaction of oxygen with the hydrocarbon fuel to produce synthesis gas at about 1000 degrees C; (2) direct water injection to reduce the temperature; (3) the reaction of the resulting cool syngas over a water gas shift catalyst to produce more hydrogen; and (4) the delivery of the resulting hydrogen and carbon dioxide rich stream to a hydrogen transport membrane. The resulting products will be pure hydrogen and a CO2-rich stream suitable for sequestration. Commercial Applications And Other benefits as described by the Applicant: The new compact hydrogen generator should reduce the cost of hydrogen and allow it to be manufactured in more distributed locations. The system also should reduce the need for large H2 pipelines and address the need to sequester carbon dioxide from the production of hydrogen.