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JP-5 Desulfurization System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00014-07-M-0012
Agency Tracking Number: N062-152-0731
Amount: $70,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N06-152
Solicitation Number: 2006.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-11-28
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-08-28
Small Business Information
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
United States
DUNS: 181947730
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Gokhan Alptekin
 Senior Engineer
 (303) 940-2349
 galptekin@tda.com
Business Contact
 John Wright
Title: Vice President
Phone: (303) 940-2300
Email: jdwright@tda.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The major drawback to the use of fuel cells as electric generators and auxiliary power units (APUs) by deployed forces is their inability to directly use battlefield fuels. Both Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells and the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) require a clean, essentially sulfur-free feed stream to prevent the poisoning of the fuel cell anode catalyst. Unfortunately, battlefield fuels (i.e., JP-5) contain high levels of refractory sulfur species (up to 3,000 ppmw), which need to be removed by advanced fuel processing technologies. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a novel sorbent-based desulfurization system, an integral part of a compact and efficient fuel processor, to produce a clean hydrogen feed from high sulfur fuels. In Phase I, we will develop a high capacity, regenerable adsorbent and demonstrate that its potential to reduce the sulfur content of the fuel to sub ppm levels tolerable by the fuel cells. We will show the long-term durability and regeneration capability of the sorbent under representative conditions. Based on experimental data, we will also carry out preliminary design of a desulfurization system integrated to a fuel processor that can deliver sulfur-free feed required to operate a 1 kW fuel cell APU.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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