An Investigation into the Transient Behavior of a Microreactor System for Reforming of Diesel Fuel in the kW Range

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology 2009-11, Vol.32 (11), p.1790-1798
• Main Authors: O'Connell, M., Kolb, G., Schelhaas, K.-P., Schürer, J., Tiemann, D., Ziogas, A., Hessel, V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diesel steam reforming; Load changes; Microreactors
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.200900391

A diesel reformer based on microreaction technology was developed for application in an auxiliary power unit (APU) system. The transient characteristics of this reactor for reforming of diesel fuel are reported. Diesel steam reforming was performed at various S/C ratios with load changes ranging from 30 % LL to 80 % LL, i.e., a 1.5 kW to a 4 kW electrical equivalent. The reactor itself was based on an integrated reformer/burner heat exchange reactor concept. The reforming was performed at temperatures above 750 °C and at various S/C ratios, down to a minimum of 3.17. Variation of experimental parameters, such as O/C and S/C ratios, are critical for optimum and efficient operation of the reformer. A diesel reformer based on microreaction technology was developed for application in an auxiliary power unit system. The transient characteristics of this reactor for reforming of diesel fuel are reported. The feasibility of combined diesel reforming and anode off‐gas hydrogen combustion in a single reactor even under dynamic operation has been demonstrated.