We prove that non-concentrating solar-thermal collectors can supply the energy needed to power the steam reformation of alcoholic bio-fuels, such as methanol.  Traditional methods of steam reformation burn 25-50% of their fuel to run the endothermic reformation reaction. We use a selective solar absorber coating surrounded by vacuum insulation to reform liquid methanol into hydrogen gas for use in a PEM fuel cell. We use a multilayer absorber coating (TiNOX). A methanol-water mixture flows through copper tubes. A Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst is impregnated in a porous ceramic structure in the end of the copper tubing. We use a turbomolecular pump to reach pressures of <10-4 Torr. Numerical analysis has shown that convective and conductive heat losses are eliminated at these pressures. We believe that with this vacuum, and reduced radiative losses through chemical polishing, the methanol-water mixture will reach exhaust temperatures of 220-250�C, which are acceptable temperatures for steam reformation.

Hydrogen production from biofuel under sunlight: A hybrid approach

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.