Novel Water Neutral Diesel Fuel Processor and Sulfur Trap

To provide electricity for distributed and mobile applications, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have the potential to operate with much less fuel than that used by generators based on internal combustion engines. However, these systems also must have long life and sell for a price that is competitive with other technologies. Conventional SOFC systems either require makeup water, an expensive logistics burden, or suffer from low durability due to the formation of carbon deposits in the system generators. This project will develop an SOFC fuel reformer that operates at water neutral conditions and enhances the durability of the fuel cell system. The reformer is based on a technology that has been proven effective and durable in military applications, and is inherently cost-effective enough for use in commercial applications. In Phase I, a full-scale reformer was demonstrated, and preliminary durability tests were performed with a demonstrator solid oxide fuel cell system. The reformer met or exceeded all performance targets. A system containing all necessary components for stand alone operation was designed, and its subcomponents were tested at full scale conditions. In Phase II, a stand-alone prototype reactor will be designed, fabricated, and tested with a commercial fuel cell stack for long term durability confirmation. Component cost requirements and simplifications needed to meet commercial targets will be identified and detailed. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should help boost market opportunities for fuel cell systems, thereby greatly reducing dependence on oil resources for power generation and transportation, while substantially cutting emissions. Specific applications could include distributed home electric power generation and heavy truck auxiliary power units.