High Performance Fuel Processor Development for Fuel Cell Systems

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This research will use a multi-scale modelling and experimental approach to the design of reformers that will significantly improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of fuel cell systems operating on liquid fuels. Most industrial catalytic chemical reactors are designed for large scale steady-state operation where the objective is to achieve maximum product yield and catalyst lifetime. On the other hand, a fuel processor for a fuel cell system must be able to respond to a changing load, start up and shut down quickly and capture as much waste heat as possible to achieve maximum efficiency. These requirements indicate the need to rethink the characteristics of reforming catalysts and define new materials and methods of catalyst deployment that allow for fast response, excellent heat transfer and reasonable durability for stop-start and non-steady state operation. To achieve these goals we will design porous nanomaterials with the optimal balance between thermal conductivity, porosity and catalytic activity. By optimizing these properties and deploying the catalyst as a coating on a heat exchange surface significant improvements in reactor performance will be achieved. This, however, requires developing a deeper understanding of the transport and reaction processes occurring on the Micro and Nano scale. Fifteen students and postdoctoral fellows will receive training in the fundamental principles of catalysis and reactor design; skills that have a wide range of application in the chemical industry. They will also be made aware of the importance of improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and providing clean energy for society in general. The goal of the research is to develop efficient and reliable diesel reformers that will enable the commercialization of economically priced diesel-fuelled fuel cell systems to displace the environmentally harmful fleet of diesel combustion engine powered generators that currently provide power for remote communities and work sites in Canada. Providing clean electrical power in areas such as Canada's Far North will generate new economic activity while protecting our nation's sovereignty in these environmentally sensitive wilderness regions.