An Investigation into the Transient Behavior of a Microreactor System for Reforming of Diesel Fuel in the kW Range

Abstract

A diesel reformer based on microreaction technology was developed for application in an auxiliary power unit (APU) system. The transient characteristics of this reactor for reforming of diesel fuel are reported. Diesel steam reforming was performed at various S/C ratios with load changes ranging from 30 % LL to 80 % LL, i.e., a 1.5 kW to a 4 kW electrical equivalent. The reactor itself was based on an integrated reformer/burner heat exchange reactor concept. The reforming was performed at temperatures above 750°C and at various S/C ratios, down to a minimum of 3.17. Variation of experimental parameters, such as O/C and S/C ratios, are critical for optimum and efficient operation of the reformer.

Comparison between parallel and checked arrangements of micro reformer for H2 production from methane

“…However, most of micro reformer studies were done by simulation because the experiment method have more complex and higher expenses. In experimental study, an integrated diesel reformer/burner heat exchange reactor in micro scale was developed by O'Connell et al [14,15]. The micro reformer was operated at 1023 K and a steam to carbon ratio of 3.17 to produce hydrogen for a 5 kW fuel cell with 98% diesel conversion.…”

“…The reforming combined with combustion in the parallel arrangement has been explored in micro scale reformers by experiments [14][15][16] and simulations [17][18][19][20][21]. However, most of micro reformer studies were done by simulation because the experiment method have more complex and higher expenses.…”