This project investigates the various fueling options for a fuel cell power plant from the viewpoint of volumetric and geometric constraints and simplicity. We compared alternate hydrogen storage and production methods in an attempt to choose an optimal sourcing solution for a fuel-cell powered airplane. Choices included hydrogen pressure and cryogenic tanks, microspheres, nanotubes, and the reformation of hydrocarbons, alcohols, or ammonia. We chose ammonia as the most promising fuel due to simplicity of the reforming plant and its high hydrogen content, and designed a possible fuel cell and reforming system within the space and weight constraints.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Oleson, Andrew Yngve
• Pastecki, Patrick Edward

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 02B031M

Advisor

• Datta, Ravindra

Year

• 2002

Sponsor

• Advance Technology Products

Date created

• 2002-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright