Monitoring of Temperature Distribution within a Silicon-Based Micro Reformer Using Array Micro Sensors

Abstract:

With advances in micro fuel cell development, the production of hydrogen for micro reformer has become increasingly important. However, some problems regarding the micro reformer are yet to be resolved. These include reducing the size, reducing the quantity of CO and combining the fuel cell, among others. Accordingly, in this investigation, array micro temperature sensors and heaters were combined within a silicon-based micro reformer to measure and control the temperature and thus improve performance and minimize the concentration of CO. In this work, micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) of the micro channel type were fabricated on a silicon substrate to enhance the methanol conversion ratio. Array micro temperature sensors and heaters were made of platinum and placed inside the micro reformer. Although the micro temperature sensor and heater have already been used to measure and control temperature in numerous fields, they have not been employed in micro reformer and commercial products. Therefore, this study presents a new approach for combining array micro temperature sensors and heaters within a silicon-based micro reformer to minimize the size and improve performance.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 364-366)
• Pages: 816-821
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.364-366.816
• Online since: December 2007
• Authors: Chi Yuan Lee, Shuo Jen Lee, Ching Liang Dai, Chin Hua Wu, Guan Wei Wu
• Keywords: Array Micro Sensors, Microreformer

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