SBIR Phase I: Sensor for Reformer Performance Control

*摘要9661440普罗哈斯卡这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目将开发一种低成本、在线、集成的多参数气体传感器，用于重整和燃料电池驱动的电动发动机控制，目的是优化发动机的安全和效率。最初，多参数气体传感器被提出用于在甲醇重整油上运行的发动机。在存在H2、CO、甲醇和其他电化学可氧化或可还原气体的情况下，传感器的设计和测量概念也将适用于以馏分燃料或天然气为混合动力汽车或建筑和公用设备提供动力的发动机。在燃料气流中氢、甲醇和一氧化碳浓度测量的第一阶段期间，将论证微型传感器设计和监测概念的可行性。电化学电池将基于吉纳的膜电极组装技术，使用聚合物电解质与厚膜电极相结合。在第一阶段，将寻求与实际参与重整和燃料电池开发的工业和研究实验室合作，为第二阶段产品开发计划做准备，并为第三阶段产品工程和制造转移提供资金。该项目的预期产品是用于燃料电池电动发动机的可靠、坚固、稳定和廉价的电化学气体传感器。重整效率控制、燃料电池毒物保护和排放监测将是这些装置的主要应用。预计这一细分市场将带来数百万美元的市场。可以预见，这些装置在环境监测和工业过程控制中也将有广泛的应用。***

*** ABSTRACT 9661440 Prohaska This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a low-cost, on-line, integrated multiple-parameter gas sensor for reformer and fuel-cell-powered electric engine control with the aim of optimizing engine safety and efficiency. Initially, the multiple-parameter gas sensors are proposed for engines operating on a methanol reformate. Where H2, CO, methanol and other electrochemically oxidizable or reducible gases are present, the sensor design and measurement concept will also be applicable to engines which operate on distillate fuels or natural gas to power hybrid electric vehicles or building and utility equipment. Feasibility of the miniaturized sensor design and monitoring concept will be demonstrated during Phase I for hydrogen, methanol and carbon monoxide concentration measurements in the fuel stream. The electrochemical cell will be based on Giner's membrane electrode assembly techniques, using polymer electrolytes in combination with thick-film electrodes. During Phase I, collaboration with industry and research laboratories actually involved in reformer and fuel cell development will be sought in preparation for the Phase II product development program and for funding of Phase III product engineering and manufacturing transfer. The anticipated products resulting from this project are reliable, robust, stable, and inexpensive electrochemical gas sensors for use in fuel-cell-powered electric engines. Reformer efficiency control, fuel cell poison protection, and emission monitoring will be the main applications of these devices. A multimillion-dollar market is expected from this market segment. It is envisioned that these devices may also have broad application in environmental monitoring and industrial process control. ***