Battelle Memorial Institute

Christopher M Fischer

Greg A Whyatt

James M Davis

Robert S Wegeng

Ward E TeGrotenhuis

James D Davis

David L King

Kriston P Brooks

An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor () and a water vaporizer () heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer () and the vaporizer () are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.

Rapid start fuel reforming systems and techniques

A system and method for creating reformate with decreased carbon deposition. The system is made up of a steam source, a superheater, a fuel injection device, a prereformer, and a reformer with catalyst linings. The system functions to superheat steam while maintaining the fuel at a lower temperature prior to injection and mixing with the steam. After injection and mixing, the steam and fuel mixture is then passed through a prereformer where catalysts treat a portion of the fuel and steam mixture. After these portions are treated with a catalyst, the mixture is passed through to a reformer where further treatment of the material by catalyst takes place.

Method and system for introducing fuel oil into a steam reformer with reduced carbon deposition

Microchannel devices and method of use are disclosed wherein a reaction microchamberis in thermal contact with a heat exchange channel. An equilibrium limited exothermic chemical process occurs in the reaction microchamber. Sufficient heat is transferred to the heat exchange channels to substantially lower the temperature in the reaction microchamberdown its length to substantially increase at least one performance parameter of the exothermic chemical process relative to isothermal operation. Optionally, an endothermic reaction occurs in the heat exchange channelwhich is sustained by the exothermic chemical process occurring the exothermic reaction chamber. Both the reaction chamberand the heat exchange channelcan be of micro dimension. Catalystcan be provided in the microchamberin sheet form such that reactants flow by the catalyst sheet. A microchannel reactorcan be formed by integrally bonding an alternating stack of thin recessed sheets wherein the recesses in the sheets define the flow paths.

Microchannel reactors with temperature control

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Yakima, WA, United States of America

Christopher M Fischer