Edlund D. Methanol Fuel Cell Systems: Advancing Towards Commercialization

Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd., 2011. — 199 p. — ISBN: 978-981-4241-98-4 (Hardcover), ISBN: 978-981-4303-14-9 (eBook).This book details state-of-the-art fuel cell systems incorporating methanol reformers as the source of purified hydrogen (rather than compressed hydrogen). Beginning with an overview of PEM fuel cells, the book discusses the various technical approaches to methanol reforming and hydrogen purification. A unique theme carried throughout the discussion is the practical aspects of commercial applications that favor one technical approach over another. The reader gains an understanding of the chemistry, engineering, economics, and agency certification requirements that ultimately shape the optimal approach for methanol fuel cell systems targeting commercial applications.Hydrogen Fuel Cell TechnologyCommon Classifications
PEMFC Construction and Basic Principles of Operation
Low-Temperature PEMFCs
The Importance of Operating Temperature
Operational Durability
High-Temperature PEMFCs
Future Potential of HT PEMFCs
System Architecture and Balance-of-Plant
Balance-of-Plant Component Selection
Statistical analysis and lifetime
Accelerated lifetime testing
NotesMethanol as a FuelCommercial Methanol Synthesis
Physical Properties of Methanol
Flammability Classifications
Fuel packaging considerations
Compatible materials
Methanol purity concerns
Environmental and Safety Issues
Safety Hazards Due to Toxicity
Use of aversion agents
Safety Hazards Due to Fire
NotesMethanol ReformingMethanol Steam Reforming
System Design and Energy Balance
Energy efficiency
Methanol-reforming catalysts
Reactor Designs
Conventional packed-bed reactors
Microchannel reactors
Reactors using engineered catalyst supports
Trade-offs: cost vs. functionality, sizing, durability
Partial Oxidation and Autothermal Reforming
System Design and Energy Balance
Energy efficiency
CPOx and ATR catalysts
Reactor Designs
Oxidative Methanol Reforming
Commercial Sources and Technical Challenges
NotesHydrogen PurificationHydrogen Purification Applied to Methanol Reformers
Chemical Purification Methods
Water-Gas Shift Reaction
Preferential Oxidation
Selective Methanation
Membrane Purification Methods
Palladium-alloy membranes
Modeling palladium-alloy membrane performance
Economic considerations
Membrane durability
Integration with a methanol reformer
Hydrogen Purification for High-Temperature PEMFC
Economic Considerations
Commercial Sources and Technical Challenges
NotesMembrane Reactors for Methanol ReformingReactor Performance
Combining Reaction With Separation
Membrane Sizing
Designing the Reaction Region of a Membrane
Reactor
Thermal Management
Conclusion and Potential for Commercial Success
NotesBarriers to CommercializationCommercial Status: Reformed-Methanol Fuel Cell Systems
Commercial Status: Methanol Reformer Subsystems
Prognosis for Further Development
Systemwide Economic Analysis
Methanol Reformer Subsystem
Fuel Cell Subsystem
Power Electronics
Automated Controls
Concluding RemarksApplications and MarketsConsumer Electronics
Portable Power
Backup Power
Transportation
NotesReformer Cost—Lessons LearnedThe Cost Barrier
Designing for Low Cost
Influence of Volume on Cost ReductionNote