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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

New, efficient and viable system for ethanol fuel utilization on combined electric/internal combustion engine vehicles

Full text
Author(s):
Sato, Andre G. [1] ; Silva, Gabriel C. D. [2] ; Paganin, Valdecir A. [2] ; Biancolli, Ana L. G. [2] ; Ticianelli, Edson A. [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Vicosa, Dept Chem, BR-36570000 Vicosa, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Phys Chem, IQSC, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Power Sources; v. 294, p. 569-573, OCT 30 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Although ethanol can be directly employed as fuel on polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC), its low oxidation kinetics in the anode and the crossover to the cathode lead to a substantial reduction of energy conversion efficiency. However, when fuel cell driven vehicles are considered, the system may include an on board steam reformer for converting ethanol into hydrogen, but the hydrogen produced contains carbon monoxide, which limits applications in PEMFCs. Here, we present a system consisting of an ethanol dehydrogenation catalytic reactor for producing hydrogen, which is supplied to a PEMFC to generate electricity for electric motors. A liquid by-product effluent from the reactor can be used as fuel for an integrated internal combustion engine, or catalytically recycled to extract more hydrogen molecules. Power densities comparable to those of a PEMFC operating with pure hydrogen are attained by using the hydrogen rich stream produced by the ethanol dehydrogenation reactor. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/04112-5 - Electrocatalysis in direct ethanol fuel cell with alcohol chemical co-production
Grantee:Andre Gustavo Sato
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 11/50727-9 - Development of systems for hydrogen production and for the generation and utilization of electrochemical energy
Grantee:Ernesto Rafael Gonzalez
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants