Energy Efficient Membrane Reactor for Fuel Reforming

75276-Production of hydrogen using traditional fuel reforming technologies requires large and heavy units. However, the transition to a hydrogen economy will require energy efficient, compact fuel processors for hydrogen production. Therefore, this project will develop a low cost, energy efficient, high flux membrane fuel reformer for the production of hydrogen. It will be achieved by using a membrane minichannel reactor, combining the generation and separation of hydrogen in one step, and integrating the partial oxidation reactor, heat exchanger, and combustor in a single unit. The approach allows the heat of the catalytic reactions to be used for the evaporation of the liquid fuel, avoiding external heat sources and leading to significant reductions in the weight and size of the reformer. Phase I will develop technology for depositing Pd-based membranes on the surface of the minichannels. Critical processing steps for the new technology will be established, and a preliminary characterization of the reformer will be performed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should result in a dramatic reduction in the size and weight of the fuel reformer used for hydrogen production. The minichannel membrane systems also should be very useful in the chemical industry where the potential exists for every unit operation to be miniaturized with an increase in process intensity.