Open Competition 3 - Chemistry and Materials

Compact Pure Hydrogen Generation Systems for PEM Fuel Cell Applications

Sponsor: MesoFuel, Inc.

• Project Performance Period: 6/1/2004 - 4/30/2007
• Total project (est.): $3,052,623.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,988,189.00

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are not widely available today because of the lack of efficient pure-hydrogen generators and the high cost and low efficiency of fuel cell stacks (membrane electrode assemblies), which run on reformate fuel generating only hydrogen. The development of a compact on-demand hydrogen generator would solve both problems, because the use of pure fuel would boost efficiency and reduce fuel cell size and costs. MesoFuel plans a three-year project to develop and demonstrate a compact system for generating pure hydrogen reliably and safely, thereby increasing the efficiency of PEM fuel cell stacks by 50 percent. The core of the proposed system is a thin-film membrane reactor that can process multiple fuel types. The company has a proprietary architecture that enables the integration of a hydrogen separation membrane, a reformer, and a combustor into an efficient, compact unit. The project will involve development of a multilayered approach to forming a metal alloy membrane- very thin to enhance hydrogen flux- on a novel support that meets quality and durability targets. In addition, the company will develop a diffusion barrier to prevent membrane deterioration and new reforming catalysts made of materials other than costly precious metals to reduce costs. The hydrogen generator is intended for use in fuel cell systems of 50 watts to 3kW power, appropriate for applications ranging from communications to residential systems. Subcontractors include the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque), which will synthesize materials and provide membrane expertise, and Washington State University (Pullman, Wash.), which will develop a novel catalyst. Intelligent Energy Ltd. (Long Beach, Calif.) will assist with testing of the hydrogen generation systems and integration of the fuel cell and related components. If successful, the new technology would improve the U.S. competitive position in fuel cells, which are expected to eventually have a very large commercial market, and make portable and residential systems feasible. The project also will benefit the environment by reducing the need for batteries and in so doing reducing costs and other problems associated with their disposal.

For project information:

W. Doyle Miller, (505) 314-8160
doyle.miller@mesofuel.com

ATP Project Manager

Richard Bartholomew, (301) 975-4786
richard.bartholomew@nist.gov