ANALYSIS OF AUTOTHERMAL REFORMER OF H_2 PRODUCTION FOR PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL VEHICLES

The coupling of oxidation of methanol (a strong exothermic process) with the steam reforming reaction(a high endothermic process) is an attractive route for H 2 production in terms of energy minimization. Analysis showed that the radial reactor is the most attractive configuration for on board H 2 generation. Using a one dimensional homogeneous model, the paper discussed the performance of this self evident process. The optimal rate of water to methanol and pressure are 2 (under normal pressure) or 3 (when P1?atm) and 0.2?MPa～0.3?MPa, respectively.