Abstract
The membrane reformer is a next generation reformer mainly for on-site hydrogen stations for fuel cell vehicles. In the membrane reformer, hydrogen generated by steam methane reforming of natural gas permeates through a palladium hydrogen separation membrane. Since hydrogen generation and separation proceed simultaneously in a single reactor without limitation of equilibrium, the membrane reformer is simpler, more compact and more energy efficient than a conventional reformer. Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have developed a 40 Nm3/h-H2 -class membrane reformer system with 81.4% HHV efficiency. In addition, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. and NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. have developed a compact and low cost module with membrane on catalyst for the membrane reformer.
