Thermodynamic Analysis of a Compact System Generating Hydrogen for Mobile Fuel Cell Applications
A thermodynamic analysis of a compact hydrogen generation system for mobile fuel cell applications is presented. The system consists of a miniature autothermal steam reformer (ATR) and a water–gas shift (WGS) reactor, designed to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels for a 1 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Methane is used as the model fuel, and the study focuses on optimizing feed compositions and operational conditions to maximize hydrogen yield and purity. Feed compositions and operational conditions are optimized. In total, 0.7 Nm3 h−1 H2 is generated from 0.25 Nm3 h−1 CH4 with properly adjusted steam and air feeding. Issues with product purity and start-up procedures have been identified and discussed, along with feasible solutions. The system is suitable for remote and mobile applications.
Authors
- Qiaolin Lang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2674-584X)
- Ke Liang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2078-989X)
- Yang Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9096-0301)
- Xiaobo Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1098-3165)
Institutions
- Qingdao University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (CN)
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Processes
- Published
- 2025-04-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051273
- Primary Topic
- Fuel Cells and Related Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00