HYDROGEN GENERATOR, VIA CATALYTIC PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE FOR FUEL-CELLS

It is well known that the most acknowledged process for generation of hydrogen for fuel cells is based upon the steam reforming of methane o r natural gas, A valid alternative could be a process based on partial oxidation of methane, since the process is mildly exothermic and ther efore not energy intensive. Consequently, great interest is expected f rom conversion of methane into syngas, if an autothermal low energy in tensive, compact and reliable process could be developed. This paper c overs the activities, performed by the CNR Institute of Transformation and Storage of Energy (CNR-TAE), on theoretical and experimental stud ies for a compact hydrogen generator, via catalytic selective partial oxidation of methane, integrated with second generation fuel cells (EC -JOU2 contract). In particular, the project focuses the attention on m ethane partial oxidation via heterogeneous selective catalysts, in ord er to: demonstrate the basic catalytic selective partial oxidation of methane (CSPOM) technology in a subscale prototype, equivalent to a no minal output of 5 kW(e): develop the CSPOM technology for its applicat ion in electric energy production by means of fuel cells: assess, by a balance of plant analysis, and a technoeconomic evaluation, the poten tial benefits of the CSPOM for different categories of fuel cells. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.