Analysis of SMR Thermal Augmentation with CHP Turbine Exhaust: NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

There are more than 4,400 distributed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems installed in the United States. Distributed CHP systems typically use pipeline natural gas to make electricity and heat for buildings. Pipeline-delivered methane could also be used as a feedstock for making hydrogen fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as part of a CHP system. Methane reformation technology, adapted and coupled to a CHP system for making hydrogen for FCEVs, could be dispensed at a CHP location thereby improving overall energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.