LiquidPower Phase 1. Development and proof-of-concept of core methanol reformer for stationary & motive fuel cell systems and hydrogen refueling stations
R&D of a core methanol reformer and integration and test with fuel cell test systems for back-up power and material handling and hydrogen refuelling
LiquidPower is phase 1 of a joint R&D effort of Dantherm Power A/S and H2 Logic A/S on enabling use of methanol as fuel in fuel cell systems for back-up and material handling markets, and for onsite production of hydrogen to refueling stations. The objectives of this Phase 1 are to: 1) Specify a joint Core Methanol Reformer module across the various market applications; 2) Conduct R&D and laboratory testing of a Core Methanol Reformer that meets the specifications; 3) Construct and integrate three prototype reformers with laboratory test fuel cell systems for back-up power, material handling and hydrogen refueling test system.; 4) Conduct laboratory verification tests on the three test systems in order to validate reaching of the specified requirements 5); Identify patent opportunities and ensure initiation of application processes for such; 6) Plan and further detail the LiquidPower roadmap and ensure initiation of phase 2
LiquidPower-1 has developed laboratory test systems for methanol reforming and tested reformers from four different suppliers. This has contributed to determining the state-of-the-art level for methanol reforming and enabled an update of the LiquidPower R&D Roadmap onwards a commercialisation of the technology.
The project has achieved the following results:
- A detailed technical specification of methanol reformers for the fuel cell back-up power and hydrogen refueling station markets has been conducted.
- Laboratory test systems for methanol reformers has been developed and established at Dantherm Power and H2 Logic
- Initial test of reformers from four suppliers has been conducted – with two suppliers being selected for continued tests
- Extensive laboratory tests conducted of reformers from two suppliers, with the aim to determine state-of-the-art for price, efficiency, capacity and lifetime. Several errors and break-downs were experienced during the test period, which revealed a need for further R&D to improve lifetime and stability.
- The LiquidPower F&U Roadmap has been updated. Reformer TCO targets (Total Cost of Operation) for each of the markets have been calculated including updated targets for efficiency and cost. These targets also serve as the main ones to be pursued as part of the continued R&D roadmap execution. Compared to the previous edition of the Roadmap, the project has confirmed the viability of methanol reforming, but also revealed that stability and lifetime needs to be addressed and solved before commencing commercialization of the technology. If the Roadmap is successful a commercialization can commence beyond 2015.
Key figures
Category
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard Europe | 1,85 mio. DKK | 2,78 mio. DKK |
| NEL Hydrogen | 3,48 mio. DKK | 3,07 mio. DKK |
Contact
H2 Logic A/S. R&D Fuel Cell Systems
Industriparken 34 B
DK-7400 Herning
www.h2logic.com
Krogsgaard, Jacob, 96275600, info@h2logic.com
Øvr. Partnere: Dantherm Power A/S
