Efficient small scale unit for distributed heat and hydrogen generation
The project task is the development and validation of an efficient catalytic fuel processor as the key component of small
scale units for combined heat and power (CHP) generation in residential applications, based on hydrogen-fuel cells and fed by
natural gas, air and water. A critical issue of these devices is the intensification of the heat supply in the compact methane steam reformer
where hydrogen is generated. To this purpose we exploit the findings from my ERC AdG project INTENT, developing a
reformer design based on thermally conductive cellular structures packed with catalyst microparticles. As demonstrated
already in INTENT by lab scale tests, the flow independent conductive heat exchange mechanism enables a highly effective power
supply to the endothermic catalytic reaction even in the case of low and fluctuating flow rates, as typical of these compact
units.
The INSTANT project aims at testing this novel configuration of the fuel processor at a semi-industrial scale (TRL5). Indicators which will be evaluated during the test sessions include: 1) the H2 productivity for a given catalyst load (target = +30%); 2) the start-up time to full load (target = -30%); 3) the response time to a load change (target = -30%). Based on the experimental outcomes, INSTANT will also assess the potential for reducing the footprint of the CHP unit, the system volume being currently one of the main constraints for domestic CHP applications, as well as the overall production cost, including life-cycle costs. If successful, INSTANT will pave the way to a new generation of CHP systems based on hydrogen fuel cells, to be used in residential applications and, in perspective, in hydrogen refueling stations for fuel-cell vehicles, thus contributing to the decarbonisation of the EU energy system.