Autothermal Reforming of Jet A-1 and Diesel: General Aspects and Experimental Results

Abstract

This paper deals with general aspects and experimental results of autothermal reforming of Jet A-1 and Diesel fuel. With that respect, at first a process analysis based on the so called pinch-point methodology compares three different reforming routes, i.e. steam reforming, partial oxidation and autothermal reforming. The analysis is based on the application of a high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEFC). Then, specifications of different possible fuels for reforming are given. Their constraints with respect to their suitability for autothermal reforming are discussed. Finally, experiments with respect to the long-term stability of two reforming reactors revealed that it is decisive to posses a highly sophisticated educt and fuel evaporation technology in combination with a homogeneous mixing of the educts. Thereby, very promising long-term stabilities for autothermal reforming of Jet A-1 and Diesel fuel were achieved. E.g., there was 99 % conversion of Jet A-1 at the end of the long-term experiment after 2000 h on stream.