Technology Development for Bioethanol fuelled HTPEM Systems

The main objective of the project is to develop and demonstrate technologies for conversion of biomass waste and residuals to electricity at high efficiency and low cost in distributed applications. The work proposed is based on an innovative combination of Norwegian technologies, and is well suited for applications both in Norway and internationally. The technologies to be combined are: - Fuel cells based on High Temperature Proton Exchange Membranes (HT-PEM). Prototech AS is involved in several projects where the HT-PEM technology is applied, for instance on a small passenger ferry in Bergen. HT-PEM fuel cells are well suited for operation on hydrocarbons as they are less sensitive to impurities and CO than low temperature PEM fuel cells, and can be ope rated on reformed bioethanol or methanol. - Electrocatalysts for direct oxidation of small organic molecules in HT-PEM, developed by the electrochemistry group at NTNU. Enabling operation directly on ethanol or on partially reformed ethanol further reduc es cost and improves the efficiency in HT-PEM systems. - Efficient conversion of lignocellulosis to bioethanol. This method has been developed by Weyland AS who is currently constructing a demonstration plant with a capacity of 2 tons/day at Flesland, Ber gen. All water has to be removed in bioethanol for use as an additive to diesel. This requirement does not apply for bioethanol to be used in fuel cells, hence the process may be simplified, thus reducing the cost and improving the total efficiency from b iomass to electricity. In addition, EADS/Airbus in Bremen, Germany will provide the test facilities for a full scale HT-PEM stack on bioethanol. The results from the project will enable commercialisation of products for increased use of renewables for di stributed power generation as well as for transport applications.