Ethanol Reformation for Military Applications

[JohnWxy]

http://dodfuelcell.cecer.army.mil/research/H2Initiatives.html#Ethanol

ERDC-CERL submitted a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic to design and build a prototype reformer to demonstrate efficient hydrogen production from renewable ethanol fuel which can be used for fuel cells and other military applications.
Using ethanol for hydrogen production allows the Department of Defense to meet one of the many objectives of the recently passed energy bill (The Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act of 2005), which requires all components of the Federal Government to increase the use of energy from renewable sources. The 2005 Army Energy Campaign Plan also cites the goal of increased use of renewable energy and expansion of use of alternative fuels at Army installations. Ethanol-powered fuel cells and the associated hydrogen platforms will assist in meeting both of these goals.

Note the words: "prototype" and "to demonstrate" - this is significant. It means they've moved considerably beyond the theoretical stage to building working devices. YOu're getting into the engineering and development stage. - this is good news.

The use of ethanol in a fuel cell application goes far beyond using ethanol in an internal combustion engine. This is a far more promising technology than internal combustion engines.

[phantom power]

1. Speaking as a professional R+D proposal jockey...

There are many, many ways to "demonstrate a prototype" without, shall we say, actually demonstrating a prototype. And then, even when you really, actually, truly have a working prototype, there are an infinite number of ways that it may fail to work outside the lab.

On the other hand, it might work great, too. Just sayin.

[bemildred]

2. I always liked the small person inside to steer ...

Just until the software is debugged, of course.

[phantom power]

3. Yes... Just until it's debugged.

:evilgrin:

[JohnWxy]

4. yes, there is still much work to be done and problems not yet

encountered, to be solved. Prototypes come up with malfunctions you cannot anticipate. But that, of course, is the purpose of a prototype. I didn't mean to give the impression that they'll be driving one into the field next week. -- but it's at least a start.