Modelling the integration of a compact plate steam reformer in a fuel cellsystem

Fuel cell plant design requires an appropriate integration of components, e specially with the fuel processing unit. The integration of a steam reforme r for methanol with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell plant is examined here. The integration considers the use of the fuel cell anode of f gas (AOG) for combustion in order to supply the necessary heat for the re forming reaction. The whole fuel cell plant is considered with simple model s for the components that allow sizing of the components and characterisati on of their operating conditions. A reformer, based on a plate heat exchang er, is considered with catalytic combustion of the AOG and methanol to supp ly the required energy. A detailed model for a plate heat exchanger, which considers reactions and heat transfer is used to predict temperature profil es. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.