COMETHY

Compact Multifuel-Energy To Hydrogen converter

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Sustainable decentralized hydrogen production requires development of efficient fuel-flexible units adaptable to renewable sources. CoMETHy aims at developing a compact steam reformer to convert reformable fuels (methane, bioethanol, glycerol, etc.) to pure hydrogen, adaptable to several heat sources (solar, biomass, fossil, refuse derived fuels, etc.) depending on the locally available energy mix. The following systems and components will be developed: • a structured open-celled catalyst for the low-temperature (< 550°C) steam reforming processes • a membrane reactor to separate hydrogen from the gas mixture • the use of an intermediate low-cost and environmentally friendly liquid heat transfer fluid (molten nitrates) to supply process heat from a multi fuel system. Reducing reforming temperatures below 550°C by itself will significantly reduce material costs. The process involves heat collection from several energy sources and its storage as sensible heat of a molten salts mixture at 550°C. This molten salt stream provides the process heat to the steam reformer, steam generator, and other units. The choice of molten salts as heat transfer fluid allows: • improved compactness of the reformer; • rapid and frequent start-up operations with minor material ageing concerns; • improved heat recovery capability from different external sources; • coupling with intermittent renewable sources like solar in the medium-long term, using efficient heat storage to provide the renewable heat when required. Methane, either from desulfurized natural gas or biogas, will be considered as a reference feed material to be converted to hydrogen. The same system is flexible also in terms of the reformable feedstock: bioethanol and/or glycerol can be converted to hydrogen following the same reforming route. The project involves RTD activities ion the single components, followed by proof-of-concept of the integrated system at the pilot scale (2 Nm2/h of hydrogen) and cost-benefit analysis.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A novel steam reformer under development with EU support will combine flexibility of fuel source and heat source as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel combustion. Costs will be competitive as well.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas, biogas and bioethanol, aside from being combustible, are loaded with hydrogen. These fuels are an ideal feedstock to extract hydrogen that can then be used to produce electricity in clean and sustainable fuel cells. EU-funded scientists working on the project 'Compact multifuel-energy to hydrogen converter' (http://www.comethy.enea.it/ (COMETHY)) are developing a flexible steam reformer. This reformer can utilise different types of fuels and run on heat obtained from energy resources such as the renewable biomass or solar energy.

The team plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by close to 50%. In addition, reduction of operating temperature will facilitate use of low-cost materials and eliminate the need for expensive and complex components.

Researchers are devoting significant effort to increasing the efficiency of energy conversion while decreasing cost. The steam reformer system willl use a cost-effective and environmentally friendly liquid heat transfer system exploiting molten nitrates. The molten nitrates used in the novel, low-temperature (400 - 550 degrees Celsius) steam reforming process significantly decrease the energy consumption required for heating.

A novel catalyst and membrane system will enhance heat and mass transfer for recovery of high-grade hydrogen with increased conversion rates at relatively low operating temperatures. The team has identified five catalyst formulations, the catalyst supports (open foam ceramic) as well as processing methods. Furthermore, scientists have now produced prototypes of alumina-supported palladium membranes and are working toward prototypes of porous stainless steel-supported palladium alloy membranes. The design of two membrane reactor system configurations has been finalised.

COMETHY is developing a unique, flexible and highly sustainable low-temperature steam reforming concept to convert multiple types of fuels into hydrogen using heat. The concept reduces construction costs and energy consumption as well as energy production costs and emissions. Moreover, the system is decentralised so it avoids distribution costs.

Optimisation and commercialisation will provide a highly attractive eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel combustion for numerous applications.