On the Efficiency of the Fuel Cell Vehicles with Onboard Hydrogen Generation

The present paper explores the impact of an on-board hydrogen harvesting system (fuel reformer) on the overall efficiency of a fuel-cell powered vehicle. Various methods of hydrogen production for automotive applications have been discussed first. As the hydrogen production is one of the major challenges for application of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, especially in vehicular industry, this paper aims to provide an overview on different methods of cold plasma generation and plasmatrons which can be used to improve hydrogen production problem. Experimental results from a laboratory prototype have been included as a point of reference.