Method and devices for producing hydrogen by plasma reformer

Abstract

One of these devices comprises: a reaction with cold plasma (,), for producing the reforming of a primary mixture consisting of fuel gas (hydrocarbon or alcohol), as well as oxygen and/or water vapor, thus producing a secondary mixture containing in particular hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; an intake piece (,) for mixing these constituents, co-operating with a burner (,) and an associated combustion chamber (,) to bring the resulting primary mixture to a high temperature, before it is introduced into the reaction chamber (,); a ring-shaped chimney (,) enclosing this chamber for maintaining it at a relatively high temperature; a high frequency alternating high voltage source (,), modulated by brief periodical low frequency pulses and electrodes (,) for generating silent discharges, in the reaction chamber (,) thus generating a cold plasma producing a high chemical reactivity to the gas mixture present; a membrane (,) with high selective permeability for extracting the nascent hydrogen, arranged between the chamber (,) and a chamber for collecting the hydrogen (,); a thermal insulating sheath (,) enclosing the whole set. The invention is applicable to PEM type fuel cells, fitted on electric vehicles or on portable generator set.