On-site hydrogen generation from biodiesel and diesel

Abstract

The lack of hydrogen infrastructure and distribution poses an obstacle for the introduction of fuel cell vehicles to the market. Therefore it is reasonable to consider using liquid fuels for on-board or on-site hydrogen generation. Within the FP7 project NEMESIS2+ (01/2012-06/2015, www.nemesis-project.eu) a small-scale hydrogen generator capable of producing 50 Nm3h-1 from biodiesel and diesel is currently being developed. Reduction of hydrogen production costs (< 5.0 € per kg), high overall system efficiency (> 70 %), stable long-term operation (>1000 hours) and high H2-purity (5.0) are among the main objectives of the NEMESIS2+ project. The final testing phase of the pre-commercial prototype unit is envisaged for the first half of 2015. Results of the experimental and modelling work on lab-scale and prototype-level will be presented. Special emphasis will be placed on evaluating the applicability of direct steam reforming of diesel and biodiesel at various operating conditions using a precious metal catalyst. By desulphurizing the fuel (< 2 ppmw), applying a high catalyst inlet temperature (> 800 °C), a high steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C=5) and a low feed mass flow per open area of catalyst, a stable product gas composition close to chemical equilibrium has been achieved over 100 hours of on-stream exposure. Catalyst deactivation was not observed.