A Review of Fuel Processor Based PEMFC Electrical System Development for Commercial and Military Applications

Eagle-Picher Technologies, LLC is in the process of planning the development and demonstration of a compact fuel processor-proton exchange membrane fuel cell system. The fuel cell system will be applicable to many different commercial and military electrical power applications. The fuel processor technology in particular is expected to be an important factor in enabling fuel cell systems to operate where hydrogen for fuel is not practical or not available. To form a basis for the design of the system a thorough review of the technology involved is conducted. A survey of fuel cell stacks capability, a discussion of potential fuels, and an analysis of fuel processors is presented. Particular detail is provided about fuel processing and the various steps involved. The overall system electrical efficiency and the effect of co-generation on overall system efficiency is presented in a discussion which presents data about applications and system life issues. Finally, market size, growth potential, and costs of generating electricity data are taken into account.