Objective Objectives The project is connected with the development and evaluation of a prototype integrated catalytic methanol steam reformer and high temperature selective oxidation gas clean-up system to produce a hydrogen rich fuel suitable for a SPFC and to meet the performance requirements (including transients) of an electric vehicle. The prototype integrated reformer/gas clean-up unit will produce sufficient fuel for a cell stack configuration capable of producing 20 kW of electrical power. Technical Approach The programme consists of the following elements: The development and evaluation of an active catalyst with high thermal stability for the steam reforming of methanol at about 225°C to produce a fuel with the lowest practical level of carbon monoxide. The development and evaluation of an active combustion catalyst to promote the burning of fuel cell off-gas to provide the endothermic heat of reaction for the methanol reforming reaction. The development and evaluation of a catalyst for selectively oxidising carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen, to produce a hydrogen-rich stream with a carbon monoxide content of less than 2 ppm. The operating temperature (130°C/200°C) is to be such that no interstage cooling after the reformer will be required. The development and evaluation of methods of applying the above active catalysts to suitable metal substrates or foams for optimum performance. The testing of the resulting substrates in prototype tubes installed in a suitable test rig(s). The design construction and operation of an integrated, compact methanol reformer. The design, construction and operation of a carbon monoxide selective oxidation system operating at elevated temperatures (130°C/200°C) incorporating suitable heat transfer elements. Integration of the methanol reformer and carbon monoxide selective oxidation system. The development of mathematical models for the above systems to be used as scale-up tools. Assessment of resulting design for early exploitation in particular addressing the issues of vehicle integration, mass production and optimum cost. Expected Achievements and Exploitation Methanol and natural gas fuelled SPFC systems have been identified as an approach to improving the efficiency of energy systems and reducing harmful gaseous emissions to the atmosphere. The MERCATOX project is intended to contribute significantly to achieving these goals by developing, building, testing a prototype integrated methanol reformer and gas clean-up system that is compact, efficient and responsive with low emission levels. A successful project will result in the design of a unit capable of mass production. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryinorganic compoundsnatural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectrolysisnatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcoholsnatural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsfuel cells Programme(s) FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0203 - Energy industry and fuel cells Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator ENERGY RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE NETHERLANDS EU contribution No data Address Westerduinweg 3 1755 ZG PETTEN Netherlands See on map Total cost No data Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO Portugal EU contribution No data Address Avenida Rovisco Pais 1096 LISBOA See on map Total cost No data LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Ashby Road LE11 3TU LOUGHBOROUGH See on map Total cost No data Rover Group Ltd. United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Fletchamstead Highway Canley CV4 7AL Coventry See on map Total cost No data