Microreactors, Combustors and Fuel Reformers | Energy Application of Micro Technology

Microtechnology-Based Energy and Chemical Systems will most likely employ combustion for driving processes such as vapor generation and vapor barrier, endothermic chemical reactions, and (most notably) fuel reforming. Both fuel reformers and combustors will be of a miniature design relying on embedded catalysts for promoting chemical reactions at moderate temperatures (350–7501C). Many potential configurations exist depending on the application and constraints on the design. Microchannel arrays are a potential configuration; mesh and post architecture is another to achieve the desired surface area and small diffusional lengths necessary. (more…)

Fuel Cells And Fuel Processing with Proton Exchange Membrane


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Fuel cells are direct energy conversion devices that combine two reactants to produce electrical power. The reactants are typically a fuel such as hydrogen fuel cells, or methanol, and oxygen from the air. Fuel cells require an electrolyte capable of passing an ionic charge carrier across an electronic conduction barrier where the ions are driven by a concentration gradient. Fuel cells also need a catalytic-based anode and cathode for reactant preparation. For mesoscale/ microscale systems, fuel cells are best fabricated in thin film form. Depending on the desired power output of the system, the ‘‘footprint’’ may well be relatively large to supply the required power. (more…)

Gasoline Competition from Alternative Fuels

Most alternative fuel vehicles on the road today were originally designed for gasoline, but converted for use with an alternative fuel. Because the petroleum industry has successfully responded to the competitive threats of alternative fuels by developing reformulated gasoline that burn much cleaner, the conversions are typically performed more for economic reasons (when the alternative fuel is less expensive, which has occurred with propane) rather than environmental reasons. (more…)