The prospect of a diesel-powered fuel cell, providing safe and environmentally friendly battery charging and electrical power for yachts, has come a step closer with the announcement that Voller Energy Group PLC, the leading developer of fuel cells systems, is collaborating with the University of Cambridge to develop a diesel, bio-diesel, kerosene or JP-8 fuel reformer.
Voller has funded a research program to develop technologies capable of reforming (processing) hydrocarbon fuels. As a result of this collaboration Voller will have the rights to exploit this technology commercially. Dr Epaminondas Mastorakos of the University's Department of Engineering will be the academic lead for the project.
Dr. Mastorakos and his colleagues have previously developed a process for the super adiabatic combustion of hydrocarbon fuels which enables fuels such as methane and propane to be converted to hydrogen and carbon oxides.
The research program will adapt this process for incorporation into fuel cell systems developed by Voller and will also extend the range of fuels which can be processed to include complex hydrocarbons such as kerosene, diesel or JP-8.
This activity complements Voller's other activities in fuel reforming which include the development of steam reforming and pyrolysis systems.
Voller has already released technology based on a 1kW steam reforming system that uses commercially available Calor Gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane. This Emerald system has been installed in a Beneteau 411 sailing cruiser, also called Emerald, and is expected to become commercially available later this year.
Stephen Voller, chief executive of Voller Energy said: "We want to offer our customers a choice of fuel cell products in the future based on a variety of widely available fuels. We believe that a portfolio of reforming technologies is important so we can offer LPG and diesel fuel capabilities.”
