Search Results

The Epyx multi-fuel processor provides the key to integrating fuel cell vehicles into existing fueling infrastructures while maintaining the advantages of using a fuel cell - low emissions and increased drive cycle efficiency. The fuel processor can convert various fuels such as gasoline, methanol, ethanol, or natural gas to a hydrogen rich stream that feeds a fuel cell. Development efforts have led to a fuel processor capable of providing high efficiency (76-82% with gasoline, 82-88% with methanol), a reliable CO clean-up device that maintains CO outlet concentrations under 10 ppm during steady state and transient operation, and a tailgas burner that reduces startup time and maintains low emissions. Results from integrated fuel processor/fuel cell system testing show system efficiencies of 32 - 37%, assuming an overall stack efficiency of 42%, well on the way to an overall fuel processor/fuel cell system peak efficiency goal of 40% (DOE targets).

Recent commitment from automotive manufacturers to manufacture prototype fuel cell vehicles in the near future has highlighted the need for fuel processing systems ready for automotive integration. Epyx Corporation (a subsidiary of Arthur D. Little) has developed an integrated fuel processing system designed for automotive load-following conditions. The system, a product of numerous design iterations and basic development, integrates a fuel processing assembly (FPA), CO clean-up device (PrOX), anode tailgas combustor (TGC), and a full control system. System development is ongoing to produce a fuel processing system ready for integration into automotive prototypes by the end of 2000. While continued fuel processor development is critical in creating a successful fuel cell system, issues such as air management, water recovery, hybridization, heat rejection, and turndown are major factors in system design.