An autonomous fuel cell: methanol and dimethyl ether steam reforming direct fed to fuel cell

Abstract

Studies of reforming systems integrated with Fuel Cells are interesting for energy production in remote regions, especially to develop multi-fuel processors, which can be fed by more than one fuel with no need to modify the unit. In this work, an Autonomous Fuel Cell (AFC) system with methanol and/or Dimethyl Ether Steam Reforming (SR) was modeled and simulated in Aspen Plus, evaluating process variables, appropriate operational conditions, and the need for additional processes. The maximum hydrogen formed is H2/C = 3.0 (yield of 99.9%) and occurs generally with S/C ≥ 2 for several temperatures. The presence of a WGS reactor and a membrane for hydrogen purification was identified as vital to develop an AFC. In six situations that were studied with different operating conditions that meet the AFC operation, it was observed that the lowest temperature is preferable since it will consume the least amount of utility to maintain the SR.