State of the art of multi-fuel reformers for fuel cell vehicles: problem identification and research needs

This review is focused on discussions about multi-fuel reformer technology for fuel cell vehicles where techniques for onboard hydrogen generation and gas clean-up processes, as well as full considerations and emissions are i ncluded. Our conclusion is that the potential for developing a highly effic ient, durable and reliable reformer system fur automotive applications is c onsiderably higher if dedicated fuel reformers are used instead of applicat ions where all types of fuels ranging from natural gas to heavy diesel fuel s can be used. The authors propose that petroleum-derived fuels should be d esigned for potential use in mobile fuel cell applications. The present lit erature review together with site visit discussions has led to the conclusi on that there are relatively low emissions from fuel cell engines compared to internal combustion engines. However, the major research work on reforme rs-fuel cells have been performed during steady-state operation. Emissions during start-up, shutdown and transient operation are basically unknown and must be investigated in more detail. (C) 2001 International Association fo r Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.