JP-8 catalytic cracking for compact fuel processors

In processing heavier hydrocarbons such as military logistic fuels (JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, and JP-100), kerosene, gasoline, and diesel to produce hydrogen for fuel cell use, several issues arise. First, these fuels have high sulfur content, which can poison and deactivate components of the reforming process and the fuel cell stack; second, these fuels may contain non-volatile residue (NVR), up to 1.5 vol.%, which could potentially accumulate in a fuel processor; and third is the high coking potential of heavy hydrocarbons. Catalytic cracking of a distillate fuel prior to reforming can resolve these issues. Cracking using an appropriate catalyst can convert the various heavy organosulfur species in the fuel to lighter sulfur species such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), facilitating subsequent sulfur adsorption on zinc oxide (ZnO). Cracking followed by separation of light cracked gas from heavies effectively eliminates non-volatile aromatic species. Catalytic cracking can also convert heavier hydrocarbons to lights (C₁–C₃) at high conversion, which reduces the potential for coke formation in the reforming process. In this study, two types of catalysts were compared for JP-8 cracking performance: commercially-available zeolite materials similar to catalysts formulated for fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, and a novel manganese/alumina catalyst, which was previously reported to provide high selectivity to lights and low coke yield. Experiments were designed to test each catalyst’s effectiveness under the high space velocity conditions necessary for use in compact, lightweight fuel processor systems. Cracking conversion results, as well as sulfur and hydrocarbon distributions in the light cracked gas, are presented for the two catalysts to provide a performance comparison.     

Biomass to power conversion in a direct carbon fuel cell

Direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC) offer clear advantages over conventional power generation systems including higher conversion efficiency, low emissions and production of a near pure CO₂ exit stream which can be easily captured for storage. When operated on biomass-derived fuels and combined with carbon capture and storage they have the potential to be a carbon negative technology. Currently most studies relating to DCFC's focus on the use of synthetic high purity fuels. Although of significant academic interest, the high energy requirements for the production of such fuels and high cost would negate the advantages offered by DCFCs over conventional combustion technologies that can produce power from lower-grade fuels. A number of industrial processes (such as pyrolysis or gasification) can produce high carbon containing and low cost chars from biomass sources. This paper describes the operation of a novel solid state direct carbon fuel cell operated on two such commercially available bio-mass derived chars, an agricultural waste derived bio-char used for soil enrichment and coconut char used for the processing of ceramics. Chemical analysis (ICP, XRF), X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetric analysis have been used to characterise the fuels. Testing on small button cells showed that it is possible to operate fuel cells directly on low grade unprocessed chars. Although initial power densities were low, significant improvements to cell materials and designs can lead to practical devices. Overall the stability of the fuel cell materials in contact with bio-chars appeared to be good with no phase decomposition of any material observed.     

Self-sustained operation of a kWe-class kerosene-reforming processor for solid oxide fuel cells

In this paper, fuel-processing technologies are developed for application in residential power generation (RPG) in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Kerosene is selected as the fuel because of its high hydrogen density and because of the established infrastructure that already exists in South Korea. A kerosene fuel processor with two different reaction stages, autothermal reforming (ATR) and adsorptive desulfurization reactions, is developed for SOFC operations. ATR is suited to the reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels because oxygen-aided reactions can break the aromatics in the fuel and steam can suppress carbon deposition during the reforming reaction. ATR can also be implemented as a self-sustaining reactor due to the exothermicity of the reaction. The kW_e self-sustained kerosene fuel processor, including the desulfurizer, operates for about 250 h in this study. This fuel processor does not require a heat exchanger between the ATR reactor and the desulfurizer or electric equipment for heat supply and fuel or water vaporization because a suitable temperature of the ATR reformate is reached for H₂S adsorption on the ZnO catalyst beds in desulfurizer. Although the CH₄ concentration in the reformate gas of the fuel processor is higher due to the lower temperature of ATR tail gas, SOFCs can directly use CH₄ as a fuel with the addition of sufficient steam feeds (H₂O/CH₄ ≥ 1.5), in contrast to low-temperature fuel cells. The reforming efficiency of the fuel processor is about 60%, and the desulfurizer removed H₂S to a sufficient level to allow for the operation of SOFCs.     

A comprehensive review of direct carbon fuel cell technology

Fuel cells are under development for a range of applications for transport, stationary and portable power appliances. Fuel cell technology has advanced to the stage where commercial field trials for both transport and stationary applications are in progress. The electric efficiency typically varies between 40 and 60% for gaseous or liquid fuels. About 30–40% of the energy of the fuel is available as heat, the quality of which varies based on the operating temperature of the fuel cell. The utilisation of this heat component to further boost system efficiency is dictated by the application and end-use requirements. Fuel cells utilise either a gaseous or liquid fuel with most using hydrogen or synthetic gas produced by a variety of different means (reforming of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, reforming of liquid fuels such as diesel and kerosene, coal or biomass gasification, or hydrogen produced via water splitting/electrolysis). Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (DCFC) utilise solid carbon as the fuel and have historically attracted less investment than other types of gas or liquid fed fuel cells. However, volatility in gas and oil commodity prices and the increasing concern about the environmental impact of burning heavy fossil fuels for power generation has led to DCFCs gaining more attention within the global research community. A DCFC converts the chemical energy in solid carbon directly into electricity through its direct electrochemical oxidation. The fuel utilisation can be almost 100% as the fuel feed and product gases are distinct phases and thus can be easily separated. This is not the case with other fuel cell types for which the fuel utilisation within the cell is typically limited to below 85%. The theoretical efficiency is also high, around 100%. The combination of these two factors, lead to the projected electric efficiency of DCFC approaching 80% - approximately twice the efficiency of current generation coal fired power plants, thus leading to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of CO₂ for storage/sequestration is also halved. Moreover, the exit gas is an almost pure CO₂ stream, requiring little or no gas separation before compression for sequestration. Therefore, the energy and cost penalties to capture the CO₂ will also be significantly less than for other technologies. Furthermore, a variety of abundant fuels such as coal, coke, tar, biomass and organic waste can be used. Despite these advantages, the technology is at an early stage of development requiring solutions to many complex challenges related to materials degradation, fuel delivery, reaction kinetics, stack fabrication and system design, before it can be considered for commercialisation. This paper, following a brief introduction to other fuel cells, reviews in detail the current status of the direct carbon fuel cell technology, recent progress, technical challenges and discusses the future of the technology.     

An alternative process for gasoline fuel processors

The article explores the thermodynamics of an alternate hydrogen generation process - dry autothermal reforming and its comparison to autothermal reforming process of isooctane for use in gasoline fuel processors for SOFC. A thermodynamic analysis of isooctane as feed hydrocarbon for autothermal reforming and dry autothermal reforming processes for feed OCIR (oxygen to carbon in isooctane ratio) from 0.5 to 0.7 at 1 bar pressure under analogous thermoneutral operating conditions was done using Gibbs free energy minimization algorithm in HSC Chemistry. The trends in thermoneutral points (TNP), important product gas compositions at TNPs and fuel processor energy requirements were compared and analyzed. Dry autothermal reforming was identified as a less energy consuming alternative to autothermal reforming as the syngas can be produced with lower energy requirements at thermoneutral temperatures, making it a promising candidate for use in gasoline fuel processors to power the solid oxide fuel cells. The dry autothermal reforming process for syngas production can also be used for different fuels.     

Reforming options for hydrogen production from fossil fuels for PEM fuel cells

PEM fuel cell systems are considered as a sustainable option for the future transport sector in the future. There is great interest in converting current hydrocarbon based transportation fuels into hydrogen rich gases acceptable by PEM fuel cells on-board of vehicles. In this paper, we compare the results of our simulation studies for 100 kW PEM fuel cell systems utilizing three different major reforming technologies, namely steam reforming (SREF), partial oxidation (POX) and autothermal reforming (ATR). Natural gas, gasoline and diesel are the selected hydrocarbon fuels. It is desired to investigate the effect of the selected fuel reforming options on the overall fuel cell system efficiency, which depends on the fuel processing, PEM fuel cell and auxiliary system efficiencies. The Aspen-HYSYS 3.1 code has been used for simulation purposes. Process parameters of fuel preparation steps have been determined considering the limitations set by the catalysts and hydrocarbons involved. Results indicate that fuel properties, fuel processing system and its operation parameters, and PEM fuel cell characteristics all affect the overall system efficiencies. Steam reforming appears as the most efficient fuel preparation option for all investigated fuels. Natural gas with steam reforming shows the highest fuel cell system efficiency. Good heat integration within the fuel cell system is absolutely necessary to achieve acceptable overall system efficiencies.     

Advanced perovskite anodes for solid oxide fuel cells: A review

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are at the frontline of clean energy generation technologies to convert chemical energy to electricity with high efficiency. In recent years, because of their fuel flexibility, multiple fuels are fed in anode, e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, hydrocarbons, solid carbon, etc.; in addition, these fuels are always mixed with a certain amount of H₂S. Perovskite is one of the most important classes of anode materials being investigated in laboratories, these materials to some extent are immune to coke formation and sulfur poisoning when using hydrocarbon fuels, and retain inherent stability upon reduction and oxidation cycling. In this review, recent developments in perovskite anode materials are summarized and future prospects are discussed.     

Assessment of transport fuel taxation strategies through integration of road transport in an energy system model—the case of Sweden

Road transport is responsible for a large and growing share of CO₂ emissions in most countries. A number of new fuel‐efficient vehicle technologies and renewable transport fuels are possible alternatives to conventional options but their deployment relies strongly on different policy measures. Even though a future higher use of transport biofuels and electric vehicles is likely to increase the interaction between the transportation sector and the stationary energy system (heat, power, etc.), these systems are often analysed separately. In this study, a transport module is developed and integrated into the MARKAL_Nordic energy system model. The transport module describes a range of vehicle technologies and fuel options as well as different paths for conversion of primary energy resources into transport fuels. The integrated model is utilized to analyse the impact of transport fuel tax designs on future cost‐effective fuel and technology choices in the Swedish transportation sector, as well as the consequences of these choices on system costs and CO₂ emissions. The model, which is driven by cost‐minimization, is run to 2050 with various assumptions regarding transport fuel tax levels and tax schemes. The results stress the importance of fuel taxes to accelerate the introduction of fuel‐efficient vehicle technologies such as hybrids and plug‐in hybrids. Tax exemptions can make biofuels an economically favourable choice for vehicle users. However, due to limitations in biomass supply, a too strong policy‐focus on transport biofuels can lead to high system costs in relation to the CO₂ abatement achieved. The modelling performed indicates that the effects caused by linkages between the transportation sector and the stationary energy system can be significant and integrated approaches are thus highly relevant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on sulfur poisoning and development of advanced anodic materials for waste-to-energy fuel cells applications

Biomass is the renewable energy source with the most potential penetration in energy market for its positive environmental and socio-economic consequences: biomass live cycles for energy production is carbon neutral; energy crops promote alternative and productive utilizations of rural sites creating new economic opportunities; bioenergy productions promote local energy independence and global energy security defined as availability of energy resource supply.Different technologies are currently available for energy production from biomass, but a key role is played by fuel cells which have both low environmental impacts and high efficiencies. High temperature fuel cells, such as molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), are particularly suitable for bioenergy production because it can be directly fed with biogas: in fact, among its principal constituents, methane can be transformed to hydrogen by internal reforming; carbon dioxide is a safe diluent; carbon monoxide is not a poison, but both a fuel, because it can be discharged at the anode, and a hydrogen supplier, because it can produce hydrogen via the water-gas shift reaction.However, the utilization of biomass derived fuels in MCFC presents different problems not yet solved, such as the poisoning of the anode due to byproducts of biofuel chemical processing. The chemical compound with the major negative effects on cell performances is hydrogen sulfide. It reacts with nickel, the main anodic constituent, forming sulfides and blocking catalytic sites for electrode reactions.The aim of this work is to study the hydrogen sulfide effects on MCFC performances for defining the poisoning mechanisms of conventional nickel-based anode, recommending selection criteria of sulfur-tolerant materials, and selecting advanced anodes for MCFC fed with biogas.     

Dealing with fuel contaminants in biogas-fed solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) plants: Degradation of catalytic and electro-catalytic active surfaces and related gas purification methods

Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies are re-gaining momentum in a number of sectors including industrial, tertiary and residential ones. Integrated biogas fuel cell plants in wastewater treatment plants and other bioenergy recovery plants are nowadays on the verge of becoming a clear opportunity for the market entry of high-temperature fuel cells in distributed generation (power production from a few kW to the MW scale).High-temperature fuel cell technologies like molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are especially fit to operate with carbon fuels due to their (direct or indirect) internal reforming capability. Especially, systems based on SOFC technology show the highest conversion efficiency of gaseous carbon fuels (e.g., natural gas, digester gas, and biomass-derived syngas) into electricity when compared to engines or gas turbines. Also, lower CO₂ emissions and ultra-low emissions of atmospheric contaminants (SO_X, CO, VOC, especially NO_X) are generated per unit of electricity output. Nonetheless, stringent requirements apply regarding fuel purity. The presence of contaminants within the anode fuel stream, even at trace levels (sometimes ppb levels) can reduce the lifetime of key components like the fuel cell stack and reformer. In this work, we review the complex matrix (typology and amount) of different contaminants that is found in different biogas types (anaerobic digestion gas and landfill gas). We analyze the impact of contaminants on the fuel reformer and the SOFC stack to identify the threshold limits of the fuel cell system towards specific contaminants. Finally, technological solutions and related adsorbent materials to remove contaminants in a dedicated clean-up unit upstream of the fuel cell plant are also reviewed.     

Performance of a PEMFC system integrated with a biogas chemical looping reforming processor: A theoretical analysis and comparison with other fuel processors (steam reforming,partial oxidation and auto-thermal reforming)

In this work, the performance of a PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell) system integrated with a biogas chemical looping reforming processor is analyzed. The global efficiency is investigated by means of a thermodynamic study and the application of a generalized steady-state electrochemical model. The theoretical analysis is carried out for the commercial fuel cell BCS 500W stack. From literature, chemical looping reforming (CLR) is described as an attractive process only if the system operates at high pressure. However, the present research shows that advantages of the CLR process can be obtained at atmospheric pressure if this technology is integrated with a PEMFC system. The performance of a complete fuel cell system employing a fuel processor based on CLR technology is compared with those achieved when conventional fuel processors (steam reforming (SR), partial oxidation (PO) and auto-thermal reforming (ATR)) are used. In the first part of this paper, the Gibbs energy minimization method is applied to the unit comprising the fuel- and air-reactors in CLR or to the reformer (SR, PO, ATR). The goal is to investigate the characteristics of these different types of reforming process to generate hydrogen from clean model biogas and identify the optimized operating conditions for each process. Then, in the second part of this research, material and energy balances are solved for the complete fuel cell system processing biogas, taking into account the optimized conditions found in the first part. The overall efficiency of the PEMFC stack integrated with the fuel processor is found to be dependent on the required power demand. At low loads, efficiency is around 45%, whereas, at higher power demands, efficiencies around 25% are calculated for all the fuel processors. Simulation results show that, to generate the same molar flow-rate of H₂ to operate the PEMFC stack at a given current, the global process involving SR reactor is by far much more energy demanding than the other technologies. In this case, biogas is burnt in a catalytic combustor to supply the energy required, and there is a concern with respect to CO₂ emissions. The use of fuel processors based on CLR, PO or ATR results in an auto-thermal global process. If CLR based fuel processor is employed, CO₂ can be easily recovered, since air is not mixed with the reformate. In addition, the highest values of voltage and power are achieved when the PEMFC stack is fed on the stream coming from SR and CLR fuel processors. When a H₂ mixture is produced by reforming biogas through PO and ATR technologies, the relative anode overpotential of a single cell is about 55 mV, whereas, with the use of CLR and SR processes, this value is reduced to ∼37 and 24 mV, respectively. In this way, CLR can be seen as an advantageous reforming technology, since it allows that the global process can be operated under auto-thermal conditions and, at the same time, it allows the PEMFC stack to achieve values of voltage and power closer to those obtained when SR fuel processors are used. Thus, efforts on the development of fuel processors based on CLR technology operating at atmospheric pressure can be considered by future researchers. In the case of biogas, the CO₂ captured can produce additional economical benefits in a ‘carbon market’.     

Cool flame partial oxidation and its role in combustion and reforming of fuels for fuel cell systems

The purpose of this review was to integrate the most recent and relevant investigations on the auto-oxidation of fuel oils and their reforming into hydrogen-rich gas that could serve as a feed for fuel cells and combustion systems. We consider the incorporation of partial oxidation under cool flame conditions to be a significant step in the reforming process for generation of hydrogen-rich gas. Therefore, we have paid particular attention to the partial oxidation of fuels at low temperature in the cool flame region. This is still not a well-understood feature in the oxidation of fuels and can potentially serve as a precursor to low NO_x emissions and low soot formation. Pretreatment, including atomization, vaporization and burner technology are also briefly reviewed. The oxidation of reference fuels (n-heptane C₇H₁₆, iso-octane C₈H₁₈ and to a lesser extent cetane C₁₆H₃₄) in the intermediate and high temperature ranges have been studied extensively and it is examined here to show the significant progress made in modeling the kinetics and mechanisms, and in the evaluation of ignition delay times. However, due to the complex nature of real fuels such as petroleum distillates (diesel and jet fuel) and biofuels, much less is known on the kinetics and mechanisms of their oxidation, as well as on the resulting reaction products formed during partial oxidation. The rich literature on the oxidation of fuels is, hence, limited to the cited main reference fuels. We have also covered recent developments in the catalytic reforming of fuels. In the presence of catalysts, the fuels can be reformed through partial oxidation, steam reforming and autothermal reforming (ATR) to generate hydrogen. But optimum routes to produce cost effective hydrogen fuel from conventional or derivative fuels are still debatable. It is suggested that the use of products emanating from partial oxidation of fuels under cool flame conditions could be attractive in such reforming processes, but this is as yet untested. The exploitation of developments in oxidation, combustion and reforming processes is always impacted by the resulting emission of pollutants, including NO_x, SO_x, CO and soot, which have an impact on the health of the fragile ecosystem. Attention is paid to the progress made in innovative techniques developed to reduce the level of pollutants resulting from oxidation and reforming processes. In the last part, we summarize the present status of the topics covered and present prospects for future research. This information forms the basis for recommended themes that are vital in developing the next generation energy-efficient combustion and fuel cell technologies.     

Conversion of hydrocarbons and alcohols for fuel cells

The growing demand for clean and efficient energy systems is the driving force in the development of fuel processing technology for providing hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gaseous fuels for power generation in fuel cells. Successful development of low cost, efficient fuel processing systems will be critical to the commercialisation of this technology. This article reviews various reforming technologies available for the generation of such fuels from hydrocarbons and alcohols. It also briefly addresses the issue of carbon monoxide clean-up and the question of selecting the appropriate fuel(s) for small/medium scale fuel processors for stationary and automotive applications.     

Onboard fuel processor for PEM fuel cell vehicles

To lower vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, many automotive companies are exploring fuel cell technologies, which combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. While hydrogen storage and infrastructure remain issues, Renault and Nuvera Fuel Cells are developing an onboard fuel processor, which can convert a variety of fuels into hydrogen to power these fuel cell vehicles.The fuel processor is now small enough and powerful enough for use on a vehicle. The catalysts and heat exchangers occupy 80 l and can be packaged with balance of plant controls components in a 150-l volume designed to fit under the vehicle. Recent systems can operate on gasoline, ethanol, and methanol with fuel inputs up to 200 kWth and hydrogen efficiencies above 77%. The startup time is now less than 4 min to lower the CO in the hydrogen stream to the target value for the fuel cell.     

Political,economic and environmental impacts of biomass-based hydrogen

The purpose of this study is to assess the political, economic and environmental impacts of producing hydrogen from biomass. Hydrogen is a promising renewable fuel for transportation and domestic applications. Hydrogen is a secondary form of energy that has to be manufactured like electricity. The promise of hydrogen as an energy carrier that can provide pollution-free, carbon-free power and fuels for buildings, industry, and transport makes it a potentially critical player in our energy future. Currently, most hydrogen is derived from non-renewable resources by steam reforming in which fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, but could in principle be generated from renewable resources such as biomass by gasification. Hydrogen production from fossil fuels is not renewable and produces at least the same amount of CO₂ as the direct combustion of the fossil fuel. The production of hydrogen from biomass has several advantages compared to that of fossil fuels. The major problem in utilization of hydrogen gas as a fuel is its unavailability in nature and the need for inexpensive production methods. Hydrogen production using steam reforming methane is the most economical method among the current commercial processes. These processes use non-renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen and are not sustainable. It is believed that in the future biomass can become an important sustainable source of hydrogen. Several studies have shown that the cost of producing hydrogen from biomass is strongly dependent on the cost of the feedstock. Biomass, in particular, could be a low-cost option for some countries. Therefore, a cost-effective energy-production process could be achieved in which agricultural wastes and various other biomasses are recycled to produce hydrogen economically. Policy interest in moving towards a hydrogen-based economy is rising, largely because converting hydrogen into useable energy can be more efficient than fossil fuels and has the virtue of only producing water as the by-product of the process. Achieving large-scale changes to develop a sustained hydrogen economy requires a large amount of planning and cooperation at national and international alike levels.     

Developing fuel map to predict the effect of fuel composition on the maximum efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells

At any given cell operating condition, a fuel map can be developed to predict the effect of a fuel containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and inert gas atoms on the maximum cell efficiency (MCE) of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). To create a fuel map, a thermodynamic model is developed to obtain the fuels that would yield identical MCE for SOFCs. These fuels make a continuous curve in the ternary coordinate system. A fuel map is established by developing continuous fuel curves for different MCEs at the same operating condition of a cell and representing them in the carbon-hydrogen-oxygen (C-H-O) ternary diagram. The graphical representation of fuel maps can be applied to predict the effect of the fuel composition and fuel processor on the MCE of SOFCs. As a general result, among the fuels that can be directly utilized in SOFCs, at the same temperature and pressure, the one located at the intersection of the H-C axis and the carbon deposition boundary (CDB) curve in the C-H-O ternary diagram provides the highest MCE. For any fuel that can be indirectly utilized in SOFCs, the steam reforming fuel processor always yields a higher MCE than auto-thermal reforming or partial oxidation fuel processors at the same anode inlet fuel temperature.     

On-board reforming of biodiesel and bioethanol for high temperature PEM fuel cells: Comparison of autothermal reforming and steam reforming

In the 21st century biofuels will play an important role as alternative fuels in the transportation sector. In this paper different reforming options (steam reforming (SR) and autothermal reforming (ATR)) for the on-board conversion of bioethanol and biodiesel into a hydrogen-rich gas suitable for high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cells are investigated using the simulation tool Aspen Plus. Special emphasis is placed on thermal heat integration. Methyl-oleate (C₁₉H₃₆O₂) is chosen as reference substance for biodiesel. Bioethanol is represented by ethanol (C₂H₅OH). For the steam reforming concept with heat integration a maximum fuel processing efficiency of 75.6% (76.3%) is obtained for biodiesel (bioethanol) at S/C = 3. For the autothermal reforming concept with heat integration a maximum fuel processing efficiency of 74.1% (75.1%) is obtained for biodiesel (bioethanol) at S/C = 2 and λ = 0.36 (0.35). Taking into account the better dynamic behaviour and lower system complexity of the reforming concept based on ATR, autothermal reforming in combination with a water gas shift reactor is considered as the preferred option for on-board reforming of biodiesel and bioethanol. Based on the simulation results optimum operating conditions for a novel 5 kW biofuel processor are derived.     

Hydrogen from biomass – Present scenario and future prospects

Hydrogen is considered in many countries to be an important alternative energy vector and a bridge to a sustainable energy future. Hydrogen is not an energy source. It is not primary energy existing freely in nature. Hydrogen is a secondary form of energy that has to be manufactured like electricity. It is an energy carrier. Hydrogen can be produced from a wide variety of primary energy sources and different production technologies. About half of all the hydrogen as currently produced is obtained from thermo catalytic and gasification processes using natural gas as a starting material, heavy oils and naphtha make up the next largest source, followed by coal. Currently, much research has been focused on sustainable and environmental friendly energy from biomass to replace conventional fossil fuels. Biomass can be considered as the best option and has the largest potential, which meets energy requirements and could insure fuel supply in the future. Biomass and biomass-derived fuels can be used to produce hydrogen sustainably. Biomass gasification offers the earliest and most economical route for the production of renewable hydrogen.     

Nature inspired artificial photosynthesis technologies for hydrogen production: Barriers and challenges

Hydrogen drives the big wheel of nature. Hydrogen nuclear fusion in the sun produces light and heat. Solar flux reaching the earth's surface in an hour is far more than global annual energy demand. Photosynthesis traps 100-TW solar energy annually into biomass on land at 0.1% efficiency that is about six times more than global yearly energy demand. All photosynthetic organisms (photoautotroph) annually convert 100-billion tons of carbon in the atmosphere into biomass. The rampant rise in energy demand requires to replicate natural photosynthesis process artificially to convert solar energy and Carbon dioxide (CO₂) in liquid and burnable gaseous fuels. Chemists, physicists and biologists are collaborating to develop suitable catalysts for artificial photosynthesis. There is a consensus the sun can fuel transport sector by hydrogen and power grid by photo-electricity. It is well in time to develop a full spectrum of solar technologies instead of keeping ourselves plugged to hydrocarbon honey. Photocathodes and catalysts can mediate water splitting using nature-inspired artificial photosynthesis. Economic hydrogen production can accomplish the grand energy transition from fossil fuels to sustainable and renewable energy sources. This paper reviews the recent advances in artificial photosynthesis technologies and presents our work on the microbial fuel cell for hydrogen production and points out technical barriers and operational challenges.     

Numerical modeling of an automotive derivative polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell cogeneration system with selective membranes

Cogeneration power plants based on fuel cells are a promising technology to produce electric and thermal energy with reduced costs and environmental impact. The most mature fuel cell technology for this kind of applications are polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, which require high-purity hydrogen.The most common and least expensive way to produce hydrogen within today's energy infrastructure is steam reforming of natural gas. Such a process produces a syngas rich in hydrogen that has to be purified to be properly used in low temperature fuel cells. However, the hydrogen production and purification processes strongly affect the performance, the cost, and the complexity of the energy system.Purification is usually performed through pressure swing adsorption, which is a semi-batch process that increases the plant complexity and incorporates a substantial efficiency penalty. A promising alternative option for hydrogen purification is the use of selective metal membranes that can be integrated in the reactors of the fuel processing plant. Such a membrane separation may improve the thermo-chemical performance of the energy system, while reducing the power plant complexity, and potentially its cost. Herein, we perform a technical analysis, through thermo-chemical models, to evaluate the integration of Pd-based H₂-selective membranes in different sections of the fuel processing plant: (i) steam reforming reactor, (ii) water gas shift reactor, (iii) at the outlet of the fuel processor as a separator device. The results show that a drastic fuel processing plant simplification is achievable by integrating the Pd-membranes in the water gas shift and reforming reactors. Moreover, the natural gas reforming membrane reactor yields significant efficiency improvements.