(96a) Methanol Powered Microchannel Fuel Processing Systems

Battelle, Pacific Northwest Division (Battelle) has been active in developing fuel processors and power systems at various power levels to meet the growing needs of the U.S. military. For low power applications, methanol fuel processors have been developed at outputs ranging from sub-watt to several hundred watts. For higher power, fuel processor systems capable of operating on a wide variety of fuels, including synthetic JP8, have been developed. Methanol fueled small power systems (<1 kw) will be discussed in this presentation. Each of these systems operates employs Battelle's proprietary methanol steam reforming catalyst, CO cleanup catalyst, and patented microchannel architecture. Microchannels provide rapid heat and mass transfer in the process streams, while proprietary catalysts offer high conversion activity and excellent product selectivity. These technologies enable small, light weight devices that provide a reliable stream of hydrogen-rich gas to power small proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for various military applications.