The Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems (IMM) is presenting a diesel reformer from October 20 to 22, 2026, at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg. The technology is intended to supply fuel cells in maritime applications and special vehicles on land with hydrogen, without the need for separate tanks. Instead, the reformer converts the diesel fuel available on board into a hydrogen-rich gas directly at the site of use.
The reformer is part of a reformer-fuel cell system with a capacity of 25 kilowatts for maritime applications. The system is being developed in the DIMARIT project, which is funded by the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM). The reformer converts the fuel into a gas, which, after further processing, enters the fuel cell.
Focus on reactor technology and heat management
According to its own statements, Fraunhofer IMM has primarily worked on reactor technology and the coordination of individual process steps. Heat management and the interaction of components played a central role. Both are crucial for the reliable conversion of fuel under changing operating conditions. Especially on ships, the available space and the amount of fuel carried are limited. Therefore, converting diesel at the site of use can enable a fuel cell application without the need for separate hydrogen storage.
Additionally, the institute is investigating how synthetically produced diesel fuels can be used in the reformer for hydrogen production. According to the developers, the goal is to be able to use suitable synthetic fuels as a hydrogen source for fuel cells in the future, alongside conventional diesel.
Potential for defense applications as well
Fraunhofer IMM also sees potential applications in mobile power supply in the defense sector. In addition to fuel availability, other requirements include low noise emissions, low heat output, and low weight. According to the institute, the combination of diesel reformer and fuel cell requires fewer large moving parts than motorized diesel generators. This can reduce the noise and heat signature. Possible applications mentioned by IMM include power supply for command and surveillance vehicles or field camps.
Other reformer technologies at the exhibition stand
At the "Hydrogen Technology World Expo," Fraunhofer IMM is presenting other developments alongside the diesel reformer in Hall B5 at Stand 5G26. These include a methanol reformer as well as technologies for hydrogen production from ammonia and the methanation of carbon dioxide. Gunther Kolb from Fraunhofer IMM will explain the potential use of diesel as a hydrogen source for fuel cells in the defense sector on October 22 from 1:10 PM to 1:30 PM on Hydrogen Stage A.
