Experimental analysis of a 2 kWe LPG-based fuel processor for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

The paper describes the research activities carried out at the CNR Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “Nicola Giordano”, aimed to develop, assemble and test a hydrogen generator, named HYGen I, to integrate with a PEFC (polymer electrolyte fuel cell) for residential applications. The unit, capable to convert light hydrocarbons (methane, propane, LPG, butane), with a nominal hydrogen production of 2 N m3 h−1 and a maximum hydrogen production of 5 N m3 h−1, can be considered the only prototype of this size in Italy. Preliminary experimental results, with a proprietary Pt/CeO2 catalyst for the autothermal reforming (ATR) and commercial catalysts for intermediate water gas shift (ITWS) and preferential oxidation (PROX) have been reported.