Catalytic Reforming System Suitable for Transportation Applications

The paper describes operation and optimization of an onboard reforming system for an auxiliary power unit solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC APU) system for trucks that use liquid natural gas as fuel. The reformer system is based on partial oxidation and produces a reformate gas flow sufficient for a 100 W fuel cell. The ALMUS concept and configuration of the SOFC APU unit is described. The paper presents analyses of the efficiency of the partial oxidation reformer. The selected catalyst AB10 is analyzed under various reaction temperatures and molar ratios of CH4:air. Two reforming reactor configurations are tested; both with 5 g of the catalyst. The optimal operating conditions for the reactor are proposed.
The reformer is currently operated in an electric furnace that simulates the actual system and condition in a combustion chamber. The main focus is to obtain stable operation with high hydrogen yield and low coke deposition. The paper presents analyses of a 1,000 h partial oxidation stability test. The demonstration of the performance of the CPOX reformer confirms the system applicability. The observed slow catalyst deactivation is attributed to the detected coke deposition. The change to the structure of deposited coke along the reactor is explained.