Study on a regenerative fuel reformer for a zero-emission vehicle system

A zero-emission fuel cell vehicle system using a thermally regenerative fuel reformer, which had a performance of carbon dioxide fixation from a reformed gas, was proposed. A packed-bed regenerative reforming reactor containing a reforming catalyst and calcium oxide was examined for methane steam reforming under atmospheric pressure. It was demonstrated that carbon dioxide was well fixed by chemical absorption of calcium oxide in a preliminary experiment. The methane reforming, carbon monoxide shifting and calcium oxide carbonation proceeded simultaneously in the regenerative reactor. The carbonation of calcium oxide fixed the carbon dioxide generated through the reforming, and the hydrogen purity of effluent gas was raised beyond the equilibrium amount of a conventional fuel reformer. The vehicle system was expected to improve the efficient utilization of surplus thermal energy and surplus electricity by utilizing them for the regeneration of the reformer.