Methanol Reforming for Vehicles

DaimlerChrysler developed a methanol processor for the NeCar 3 experimental vehicle. This was demonstrated in September 1997 as the world s first methanol-fuelled fuel cell car. It was used in conjunction with a Ballard 50-kW fuel cell stack. Characteristics of 

Specific power 0.44kWekg (reformer = 34 kg, combustor = 20 kg, CO selective oxidiser = 40 kg) 

Since the NeCar3 demonstration, DaimlerChrysler and Excellsis have been working with BASF to develop a more advanced catalytic reformer system for their vehicles. In November 2000, DaimlerChrysler launched the NeCarS, which, together with a Jeep Commander vehicle, represents state of the art in methanol fuel cell vehicles. In the past six years, the fnel cell drive system has been shrunk to such an extent that it presently requires no more space than a conventional drive system. The Necar 5, therefore, has the full complement of seats and interior space as a conventional gasoline-fuelled internal combustion engine car. The car is based on the A-Class Mercedes design and the methanol 

General Motors European subsidiary Opel presented its first fuel cell powered vehicle, a concept car based on the Zafira, in September 1998. This uses a methanol reformer based on that developed by GM in a programme over many years working with the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the United States. The main features of the processor are given in Table 8.9. 

The EU-supported Mercatox project led by the company Wellman CJB in the UK has led to the development of a complete process for the on-board steam reforming of methanol for vehicles. The basic premise was the use of compact, aluminium heat exchangers 

---