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Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Processor

PCI is developing an integrated fuel processor for liquid fuels for application in PEM and High Temperature PEM fuel cell systems. Building upon its ultra-compact fuel reformer and fuel reforming catalytic reactor technologies, PCI is optimizing its fuel reformer and fuel processor technologies for the size, weight and performance needed to enable liquid-fueled PEM fuel cell systems under multiple Army and Navy programs.

PCI’s Microlith®; Compact Logistics Fuel ProcessorTM System for High Temperature PEMs and PEMs consists of an integrated fuel/air/steam injector, autothermal reformer (ATR), heat exchanger, sulfur trap and water gas shift reactor. The system is designed to take in medium sulfur fuel (<400 ppm sulfur) and provide reformate with <1 ppm sulfur for use in a high Temperature PEM or with additional CO cleanup for use in a low temperature PEM fuel cell.

BOP components such as pumps and controller are separately packaged. This results in a portable and compact package. A photo of a 10 kWe fuel processor including water gas shift reactor is shown.

Attributes

Characteristic

PCI Fuel Processor Status

System Net Rated Power (kWe)

5

Energy Efficiency (LHV H2 basis)

>73% (fuel quality and S/C ratio dependent)

Ultra-Compact

>0.4 kWe/l

Rapid Start-up

<10 minutes

Fast Transient Response

<5 sec

Fuel Flexible

Diesel, JP-8 and other low sulfur logistics fuels

Maximum Sulfur in product stream

<1 ppm (from 400 ppm S in fuel)

Turn Down Ratio

5:1

Microlith® is a registered trademark of Precision Combustion, Inc.

Contact PCI to learn more about how our solutions may be adapted for your needs.