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The Production of Hydrogen (in the Reforming Part)

The specifications, structures, power generation efficiency of fuel cells described on this page are based on the specifications of our household fuel cell system developed as the first commercial model and different from those of the latest products.


In the fuel processing device, the reforming part fulfills the role of extracting hydrogen from the methane gas which is supplied as city gas.
The following explains how fuel is converted and how hydrogen is extracted in the reforming part.

The Reaction in the Reforming Part

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In the reforming part, there is a supply of methane, as the fuel, and water, to cause the reforming reaction. However, in order to carry out reforming, a temperature at which the reforming reaction occurs must also be maintained. A burner is therefore used to keep the reforming part at a temperature suitable for the reaction.

Methane is supplied from the city gas supply to the reforming part and water is also supplied to cause the reforming reaction.

In the high temperature maintained in the reforming part, the water turns to steam. By mixing this steam with the methane, the reforming reaction occurs, hydrogen is separated from the methane and water and is sent as hydrogen-rich gas (1) to the CO degeneration part .

Carbon Monoxide Generated during Reforming

Because the fuel supplied is methane (CH4), the reforming reaction is as shown below, with approx. 10-15% carbon dioxide and approx. 10-15% carbon monoxide being generated.

  • CH4 + 2H2O → 4H2 + CO2 (approx. 10-15%)
  • CH4 + H2O → 3H2 + CO (approx. 10-15%)

Related Information

(1) Hydrogen-Rich Gas
A gas with hydrogen as its main constituent, but also including the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide generated during reforming.

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Our fuel cells are intended for household use in Japan only.
Note that the data and values on this website are based on the energy conditions in Japan.

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