Catalytic conditioning of sulfurous hydrocarbon fuels for fuel-cell applications

PETR 23

Nazim Z. Muradov, Florida Solar Energy Center, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
The main objective of this work is to develop an efficient, durable and cost-effective system for the conditioning and clean-up of a variety of commercial hydrocarbon fuels (including sulfurous fuels) into clean gaseous fuels suitable for fuel cell applications. It was demonstrated that two gaseous streams containing CO/CO2-free hydrogen-rich gas ([H2]=90 v.%, balance methane) and synthesis gas (nH2 + mCO) could be produced from gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons via cyclic pyrolysis/gasification process using durable sulfur-resistant Fe-catalyst. The fuel conditioning unit and the solid oxide fuel cell operate at close temperature range (800-900oC) potentially making the integration and thermal management of the entire system relatively easy.