Thermodynamic Analysis on Steam Reforming of Hydrocarbons and Alcohols for Fuel Cell System

The strengthened regulations for atmospheric emissions from ships have caused a necessity of new, alternative power system in ships for the low pollutant emissions and the high energy efficiency. Recently, new kinds of propulsion power system such as fuel cell system, which use hydrogen as an energy source, have been sincerely considered. Fuel conversion system to hydrogen is an essential part for fuel cell ship. We have investigated thermodynamically the steam reforming characteristics of hydrocarbons and alcohols for the fuel conversion systems.