Method for Reducing the Sulfur Content of a Sulfur-Containing Liquid Fuel for Use in a Power Generation Unit, and Device for Carrying Out the Method

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This patent describes an efficient method and device for reducing the sulfur content in liquid fuels, such as kerosene, used in power generation systems. The key innovation is to use waste heat from an engine, such as a turbine, to preheat the fuel before desulfurization. This process enables effective sulfur removal using methods like membranes, hydrofiners, or adsorbers, making the fuel suitable for power units including fuel cells, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Supplying low-sulfur fuel to fuel cell-based auxiliary power units (APUs) in aircraft and ships.
• On-board desulfurization in vehicles using fuel cells for clean electricity production.
• Providing portable or mobile desulfurization systems for remote or off-grid installations that use liquid fuels.
• Reducing sulfur emissions in transportation, especially in regulated environments like airports and harbors.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Increases overall system efficiency by utilizing otherwise wasted heat from existing engines.
• Enables the use of conventional sulfur-containing fuels (like kerosene and diesel) with sensitive, low-sulfur-tolerant generators such as fuel cells.
• Reduces local and overall emissions of sulfur oxides, contributing to better environmental compliance and air quality.
• Reduces device size, weight, and complexity in mobile applications due to integrated and optimized heat management.
• Allows for flexible selection of desulfurization technologies (membrane, hydrofining, adsorption) to fit different operational needs.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for reducing the sulphur content of a sulphurous liquid fuel. According to said method, the liquid fuel is first heated, the heat required therefor being at least partially drawn from a drive unit, the heated liquid fuel is at least partially desulphurised, and the sulphur-reduced fuel is then supplied to a current-generating device. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method, said device comprising a current-generating device, a means for reducing the sulphur content of a sulphurous fuel, and a drive unit comprising a means for transferring heat to the liquid fuel, the means for distributing the liquid fuel being arranged adjacently to the drive unit. A high-temperature polymer fuel cell stack can especially be used as a current-generating device, and a drive turbine is especially provided as the drive unit. At least one membrane, a hydrofiner with pre-saturation followed by H2S separation, or an adsorber are suitable, for example, as advantageous means for reducing the sulphur content of the sulphurous fuel.