Novel Water Neutral Diesel Fuel Processor and Sulfur Trap

This project will develop a thermally-integrated, compact, efficient, and durable diesel reformer, steam generator, and sulfur trap. The system will operate at steam-to-carbon ratios low enough to allow overall water-neutral operation, while being resistant to coking and fuel sulfur. Anticipated performance levels include high conversion efficiency with minimized pumping losses, 5000 hour durability, and overall low cost ¿ consistent with meeting overall targets of <$600/kW for the full APU fuel cell system. The system will be operated via a control algorithm permitting startup with a 12 V battery at ambient conditions with no air/steam/fuel preheat. Phase I will address the key performance requirements of an integrated diesel fuel processor that contains a diesel/air/steam injector, mixer, vaporizer, catalytic reforming reactor, igniter, heat exchanger, steam generator, and sulfur trap. By the end of Phase II, the full system will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The diesel reformer should provide a breakthrough in delivering a commercially-viable diesel-fuel processor, removing a primary barrier to use of fuel cells in diesel-fueled vehicles. Entry markets include the Class 8 truck and RV APU segments, with broader opportunities in emissions control and future fuel cell drive systems.