Syngas from dodecane in a simple compact reactor, designed for coke reduction phenomena

Fuel cell-based auxiliary power unit (FC-APUs) systems have attracted growing interest as an alternative technology for on-board electricity generation in naval field. For these applications, the primary focus is on diesel and gasoline reforming to generate syngas as feed, because production and distribution infrastructures for these fuels already exist to supply internal combustion engines [1]. In this respect, as reported in the previous works [2, 3], our research activity was addressed to develop an hydrogen generator, named DSR1, based on steam reforming (SR) of n-dodecane (n-C12H26) as surrogate of diesel for solide oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), as on-board auxiliaries for naval applications. Before integrating operation of the DSR1 and SOFC, it was first necessary to develop a start-up strategy for the fuel processor that would meet system requirements. Successful start-up methodology, is a critical concern, in terms of durability and efficiency of the system; moreover, to guarantee long-term performance of on-board liquid hydrocarbons hydrogen generators, carbon formation and side by-products decomposition phenomena are important issues to avoid, during start-up and regime phase [4]. Experimental evidences of no carbon formation are reported in this work. After prolonged start-up and shut-down cycles, a good start-up procedue was selected, indicating the drawbacks of the system for a future commercial unit [5].