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Diesel Reformer and SOFC Demonstration

Diesel Reformer and SOFC Demonstration. AETDL Annual Review January 22, 2007 Dennis Witmer. Program Objective (2004). Remote power applications require use of hydrocarbon fuels, preferably diesel fuel SOFC development has been aided by the DOE SECA program

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Diesel Reformer and SOFC Demonstration

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  1. Diesel Reformer and SOFC Demonstration AETDL Annual Review January 22, 2007 Dennis Witmer

  2. Program Objective (2004) • Remote power applications require use of hydrocarbon fuels, preferably diesel fuel • SOFC development has been aided by the DOE SECA program • Diesel reformer development proceeding for on board fuel reforming for vehicles • Best diesel reformer technology and best fuel cell not from same company • This project to bring together SOFC and diesel reformer in laboratory breadboard system

  3. Program History • Acumentrics selected as fuel cell supplier • SOFCo diesel reforming technology • Initial demonstration at INEEL, using 500 kW Navy program reformer • INEEL diesel reformer never operated in a stable manner during demo period, could not supply fuel cell (October 2004) • On second attempt (March, 2005) successful operation with small scale SOFCo reformer • Operated on low sulfur diesel and FT synthetic diesel fuel

  4. Program History • Acumentrics fuel cell shipped to Fairbanks to operate on Natural Gas (April 2005) • Unit failed after approximately 20 hours of operation Fairbanks • Acumentrics did not seem interested in restarting unit (Summer, 2005) • Acumentrics stack redesign in Fall 2005 resulted in significant performance improvement • Offered to rebuild system with new improved stack

  5. Our old stack with failed tube

  6. Progress in 2006 • Fuel cell shipped back to Acumentrics factory in April 2006 • Stack rebuild done in Fall 2006 • Factory acceptance test conducted in first week of December, 2006 • Unit performed well in FAT, crated and shipped to Fairbanks

  7. New Stack Configuration

  8. Recent Progress • Unit installed in Bidwell Avenue facility in early January • Started on January 4, 2007 • Operated for 40 hours before shutdown on faulty voltage signal • Also CO monitors in building indicated elevated levels (35-45 ppm) • Heat recover coil plugged • Internet connection not completed

  9. Cell Voltages

  10. Recent Progress (cont) • Repairs to unit completed 1/19/2007 • Unit restarted this week • Hope to achieve long term run comparable to FCT operation

  11. Diesel Reformer • Phase 2 work is intended to automate the diesel reformer demonstrated at INEEL in March 2005 • SOFCo is in the process of being purchased by another company (Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Division) • Intention is still to honor contract for diesel reformer program • Discussion at beginning of September indicated that negotiations should be completed in 6 weeks • Subaward still not signed

  12. And the Plot Thickens • Acumentrics has developed a diesel reformer program of their own • Evaluating reformers from Inovatec and a second company • Are looking for funding ($450K) to complete an integrated system

  13. The Demise of FCT • Fuel Cell Technologies of Kingston, Ontario shut its doors October 18, 2006 • Some employees may be moving over to Acumentrics in Boston

  14. Project Summary • Success on Propane operation at Exit Glacier • Success in SECA type stack at Exit Glacier and in SECA stack at Acumentrics in Boston • Long term stack performance data expected from Fairbanks demo unit.

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