A Novel Dual Membrane Reactor for Single Step Hydrogen Production of High Purity Hydrogen

摘要：迈克尔·哈罗德研究所：美国休斯顿大学项目编号：0521977项目名称：一种新型双膜反应器一步制取高纯氢质子交换膜燃料电池将氢转化为电比传统的基于燃烧的发电更有效，并且在降低燃料消耗和有害排放方面具有相当大的潜力。燃料电池的部署需要成本有效、紧凑和可靠的单元，用于为分布式固定和移动的应用产生高纯度氢。此外，如果氢的来源是可再生的，则燃料电池的环境效益特别有吸引力。大多数研究都集中在涉及多个反应器的复杂过程中将化石燃料转化为氢气，需要广泛的条件和延长的启动时间。该项目旨在开发一种更紧凑、响应更快的可再生燃料制氢系统。多功能反应器联合收割机将化学反应与一个或多个操作相结合，以提高生产率并降低工艺复杂性。在本项目中，PI将研究和开发一种新型的多功能反应器，该反应器将反应，能量集成，分离和纯化结合在一个单元中。自热重整膜燃料处理器包括催化氧化重整、通过多孔陶瓷膜轴向分布的空气添加和通过选择性渗透复合中空纤维选择性分离和纯化氢气。该反应器具有实现燃料电池应用所需的高纯度氢的非常高的体积生产率、快速动态响应和高整体效率的潜力。此外，本项目的重点是从农业中提取的乙醇，虽然设计可以容纳一系列燃料作为氢源。整个项目的目标是了解和演示从可再生原料生产氢的双膜反应器。研究方法涵盖Pd合金膜合成和表征、膜反应器实验、动力学分析和反应器建模。广泛影响：这项研究的更广泛影响是开发一种有效的技术，将可再生燃料转化为燃料电池应用的高纯氢气。这将加速采用燃料电池进行分布式发电。将生物乙醇作为燃料的重点减少了二氧化碳的净排放量，这将减缓大气中二氧化碳水平的积累。陶瓷纤维负载Pd合金膜的研究将为其它反应体系的研究提供有益的借鉴。休斯顿大学被指定为少数民族高等教育机构，其定义是“一所高等教育机构，其单一少数民族或少数民族组合的入学人数超过总入学人数的50%。“这应该有助于PI为该项目招募女性或代表性不足的少数民族学生的努力。

ABSTRACTPI: Michael Harold Institution: University of HoustonProposal Number: 0521977Title: A Novel Dual Membrane Reactor for Single Step Hydrogen Production of High Purity HydrogenThe conversion of hydrogen to electricity with proton exchange membrane fuel cells is more efficient than conventional combustion-based electricity generation and affords considerable potential in reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Deployment of fuel cells requires cost-effective, compact, and reliable units for generating high purity hydrogen for distributed stationary and mobile applications. Moreover, the environmental benefit of fuel cells is especially attractive if the source of hydrogen is renewable. Most research has focused on the conversion of fossil fuels to hydrogen in complex processes involving several reactors, requiring a wide range of conditions with prolonged startup times. This project addresses the need to develop a more compact and responsive hydrogen generation system using renewable fuels.Multi-functional reactors combine chemical reaction with one or more operations in order to increase productivity and reduce process complexity. In this project the PI will research and develop a novel multi-functional reactor that combines reaction, energy integration, separation, and purification in a single unit. The autothermal reforming membrane fuel processor comprises catalytic oxidative reforming, axially distributed air addition through porous ceramic membranes, and selective hydrogen separation and purification through permselective composite hollow fibers. The reactor has the potential for achieving a very high volume productivity of high purity hydrogen, rapid dynamic response, and high overall efficiency needed for fuel cell applications. Moreover, this project will focus on ethanol derived from agricultural sources, although the design can accommodate a range of fuels as the hydrogen source.The overall project goal is to understand and to demonstrate the dual membrane reactor for producing hydrogen from a renewable feedstock. The research methods span Pd alloy membrane synthesis and characterization, membrane reactor experiments, kinetic analysis and reactor modeling.Broad Impact:The broader impact of this research is the development of an efficient technology for converting renewable fuels to high purity hydrogen for fuel cell applications. This will accelerate the adoption of fuel cells for distributed electricity generation. The focus on biogenic ethanol as the fuel reduces the net emissions of CO2, which will slow the accumulation of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The research of ultrathin Pd alloy films supported on ceramic fibers will lead to applications in other reaction systems. The University of Houston has been designated a Minority Postsecondary Institution, which by definition is "an institute of higher education whose enrollment of a single minority or a combination of minorities exceeds 50% of the total enrollment." This should help the PI's efforts in recruiting a female or underrepresented minority student for the project.