ONBOARD HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR AUTOMOBILES
Steam reforming, partial oxidation, and shift conversion are discussed. The critical aspects of each process for an onboard application are reviewed. The results of thermochemical equilibrium calculations for both steam reforming and partial oxidation are presented for gasoline and methanol. Direct decomposition of methanol is also included. The thermal efficiencies and product composition for the various cases are discussed in detail. In the case of partial oxidation, system efficiency improvements can be obtained by running the hot product gas from the hydrogen generator through a turbo expander which can be coupled to the engine crankshaft. Experimental data are presented on steam reforming of gasoline and on partial oxidation of methanol. A table is presented that shows the required equivalence ratios for meeting 0. 4, 1. 0, and 2. 0 gms NO//x/IHP-hr in engine combustion for steam reforming and partial oxidation. The corresponding engine power and system efficiency are also calculated. The energy requirements for hydrogen generation are balanced by increases in engine efficiency under lean operation conditions. The trade-offs are the extra complexity of the hydrogen generator and a loss in maximum power capacity.
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Supplemental Notes:
- Proceedings of the 11th Intersociety of Energy Conservation Engineers, State Line, Nevada, September 12-17, 1976.
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Corporate Authors:
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
345 East 47th Street
New York, NY United States 10017 -
Authors:
- Houseman, J
- Cerini, D J
- Publication Date: 1976-9
Media Info
- Features: References;
- Pagination: p. 37-46
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Automobiles; Combustion; Crankshafts; Gasoline; Generators; Hydrogen; Hydrogen fuels; Methanol; Motor fuels; Oxidation; Power; Thermal efficiency; Transducers
- Old TRIS Terms: Expander
- Subject Areas: Energy; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00153249
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: Engineering Index
- Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 769001 Proceeding
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Oct 29 1977 12:00AM