A non-catalytic diesel autothermal reformer for on-board hydrogen generation

The energy density and wide availability of logistic fuels such as JP8 and diesel continue to hold importance as energy carriers for strategic applications. In some fuel cell system applications, such logistic fuels must be reformed on-board to a hydrogen-rich syngas. The relatively well-studied catalytic reforming presents numerous challenges including soot formation and catalyst deactivation when used for commercial or military grade diesel. To address these challenges, we have designed and built a non-catalytic autothermal reformer for liquid hydrocarbons. In this paper, we present experimental data on the performance of this reformer and draw important insights from this data. Results indicate that reactant mixing upstream of the reformer, turbulent Reynolds number and Damkohler number along with operating parameters such as the oxygen-to-carbon ratio and the steam-to-carbon ratio play important roles that affect reactor performance. Currently, we have achieved a carbon-conversion of 88% with an overall reformer efficiency of 82%. We expect further conversion and efficiency improvements once a more efficient reacting mixer is introduced upstream of this reformer, leading to improved technology readiness levels.