Modeling a Catalytic Combustor for a Steam Reformer in a Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicle

Abstract

Using a fuel other than pure hydrogen in a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) employing a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack typically requires an on-board fuel processor to provide hydrogen-rich fuel to the stack. In the case of methanol as the source fuel, the reformation process typically occurs in a fuel processor that combines a steam reformer plus a catalytic burner (to provide the necessary energy for the endothermic steam reforming reactions to occur). This paper will discuss a model for the catalytic burner in a methanol fuel processor for an Indirect Methanol FCV. The model uses MATLAB/Simulink software and the simulation provides results for both energy efficiency and pollutant formation.