On-board hydrogen generation for fuel cell-powered vehicles:: the use of methanol and propane

Although hydrogen has been found to be the most acceptable fuel for vehicle-mounted fuel cells, the storage and transportation of the gas presents difficulties. As a result, attention has been focused on on-board conversion of more readily available fuels such as methanol. Comparisons have been made of hydrogen generation from methanol and propane. Simulations are based both on thermodynamic and kinetic data. The results show that a mixture of oxidation and steam reforming (indirect partial oxidation) produces more hydrogen than direct partial oxidation. Propane is found to produce more hydrogen per weight carried than methanol, but suffers from the disadvantage that reaction does not start at room temperature. The necessity to fuel a vehicle with an organic fuel and with water is demonstrated.