A Leading Innovator
in Fuel Processing
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As a leader in the field, Chevron is working to develop
and commercialize fuel-processing technologies that generate
hydrogen from traditional fuels, such as natural gas. |
For example, Technology Ventures’ hydrogen technology development
team is developing a fuel processor that uses natural gas or propane
as a feedstock. This generator can be integrated with a fuel cell
to produce 7.5 kilowatts of electricity. The team is also exploring
other reforming technologies and applications for catalyst technology
to use in fuel processors.
In October 2003, we received a three-year, $5.9 million grant from
the U.S. Department of Energy to continue internally funded work
on novel catalyst materials and to begin work on a third-generation
fuel processor. This stationary 50-kilowatt generator will make
hydrogen from natural gas.
“We are working on innovative ways
to reduce the cost, reduce the complexity, and increase the efficiency
of devices that convert hydrocarbons to hydrogen. Our goal is to
use what we learn to support our internal Chevron businesses
as well as testing these technologies in the hydrogen refueling
demonstration projects over the next few years.”
—
John Brady, Chevron Technology Ventures, vice president
of hydrogen infrastructure
A Breakthrough, Single-step Process
Chevron was recently awarded a U.S. patent for a reformer
and catalytic reforming process that converts natural gas and steam
into hydrogen in a single step. This breakthrough process results
in a hydrogen-enriched reformate. We expect this new technology
to reduce significantly the cost of hydrogen production.
For more information on hydrogen fueling stations and hydrogen
storage, visit the Hydrogen
Infrastructure page.
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