PPT Slide
- Gasoline reformer technology
- Methanol as a hydrogen carrier
(Fuel Cells, 2000 and Economist, 2000)
Notes:
- Gasoline reformer: The petroleum industry is beginning to market gasoline formulations that emit less hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and toxics than conventional gasoline. These new gasolines can be introduced without major modification to existing vehicles or the fuel distribution system.
- Gasoline is made up of different hydrocarbon compounds, including aromatics, olefins, and benzene, all of which contribute to ozone and toxic air pollution. The levels at which these components are present in RFG will be lower, resulting in fewer harmful emissions. However, GR technology is incapable of reaching the environmental performance of direct hydrogen FCVs. Gas Reformers use partial combustion, thus resulting in emissions
- Methanol: Is wood alcohol. It is a high-performance liquid fuel that emits low levels of toxic and ozone-forming compounds. It can be produced at prices comparable to gasoline from natural gas and can also be produced from coal and wood. Most cars currently run on a blend of 85% methanol and 15% gasoline. Cars that run on pure methanol offer much greater air quality and efficiency advantages. Can be made from a variety of feedstocks, including renewables.
Methanol is much more toxic than gasoline, causing death if ingested in even small quantities. It could be a risk to groundwater supplies.
Pros of methanol: it is liquid at room temperature, has adequate energy density, can be stored easily, and can be reformed more easily than gasoline.
However, it is less efficient to produce methanol from natural gas than hydrogen from natural gas.
- Coal and Oil: Coal and oil resources can also be reformed into hydrogen, but they would emit more carbon dioxide.
Oil can be reformed through a partial oxidation process similar to that described earlier, and coal can be converted by way of gasification technology.
- Natural Gas: Is currently the main resource of hydrogen for fuel cells. Has very low emissions of ozone-forming hydrocarbons and toxins. Can be made from a variety of feedstocks, including renewables.
- Biomass and municipal solid waste can be converted into H by way of gasification technologies.