Hygen II: 5 kWe Hydrogen Geerator for PEFC operating on LPG Fuel

The determining step in PEFC (Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) systems for power generation is the development of a fuel flexible (fossil hydrocarbons) processor to provide hydrogen or hydrogen rich reformate gas. A low cost and efficient fuel processing system represents the transition bridge to the future commercialisation of this technology for stationary applications. This paper covers the activities performed at the CNR-ITAE institute aimed at developing a pre-commercial hydrogen generator unit, named HYGen II, (now under assembly) for residential applications and niche markets, in a power range up to 5 kWe. The prototype, based on our first HYGen I (2 kWe) system, successfully realized and tested, can convert light hydrocarbons (methane, propane, LPG, butane) in a hydrogen rich mixture. Autothermal reforming and intermediate temperature water gas shift processes coupled with a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) unit take to obtain hydrogen with a purity of 99.999%. The expected efficiencies, ATR and prototype, (calculated as hydrogen higher heating value on propane higher heating value) reach about 59 and 71%, respectively.