Francesco Cipitì

This paper presents the experimental activities on a pre-commercial hydrogen generator unit HYGen II, for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) in residential applications. The unit is able to convert light hydrocarbons (methane, propane, LPG, butane) with a nominal hydrogen production of 5 Nm3h-1 and a maximum hydrogen production of 8.5 Nm3h-1. Stability tests with a proprietary Pt/CeO2 catalyst for the C3H8 autothermal reforming (ATR) step, coupled with commercial catalyst for intermediate water gas shift (ITWS) and preferential oxidation (PROX), have been carried out. Propane conversion of 99.8 % associated with total oxygen conversion, in absence of byproducts has been evidenced. A CO concentration below to 10 ppm was observed in the first 140 h of operation. Subsequently, a performance decrease in the ITWS step determined a rapid increase in the CO concentration.