US EPA

1156845 

Journal Article 

Water gas shift reaction kinetics and reactor modeling for fuel cell grade hydrogen 

Choi, Y; Stenger, HG 

2003 

Yes 

Journal of Power Sources
ISSN: 0378-7753 

Elesevier Science B.V., P.O. Box 211 Amsterdam 1000 AE 

124 

2 

432-439 

Kinetics of the water gas shift reaction were analyzed and the performance of a methanol fuel processor was simulated for fuel cell applications. The reaction was supported in a micro-reactor unit using a commercial copper/zinc oxide/aluminum oxide catalyst in the 120-250 degree C range. Parameters in five rate expressions were fit to the experimental data, demonstrating that an expression derived from a regenerative mechanism and another derived from an adsorptive mechanism fit the experimental data equally well. Applying the empirical kinetic relationship in a simple isothermal plug flow model showed that reactor temperature and water addition rate must be controlled to maintain a constant carbon monoxide and water concentration exiting the reactor. 

water gas shift; fuel processing; methanol steam reforming; fuel cell; hydrogen; reformer