GreenQUEST is not only exploring gLFG as a cooking fuel. The project also aims to show that gLFG can support decentralised power generation, particularly in applications where LPG-compatible systems can provide reliable energy without major infrastructure changes.
This demonstration tested gLFG in HYENA’s POWER POD, a fuel cell-based electricity generator designed to operate on LPG. Inside the POWER POD, LPG-type fuels are reformed to produce a hydrogen-rich gas, which is then converted into electricity by a fuel cell. Demonstrating that gLFG can operate in this system provides a demanding test of its suitability as a practical fuel for advanced energy conversion.
The gLFG used in the trial was produced in GreenQUEST’s mini-plant during extended continuous operation. Three cylinders were collected and characterised. The POWER POD was started on fossil LPG to establish stable baseline operation, then switched to gLFG from one production batch, followed by gLFG from a later batch with a different composition. The system was then returned to LPG for shutdown. Throughout the demonstration, electrical performance, voltage, current, power output and reformate gas composition were monitored.
The results were strong. The POWER POD generated a total of 10.42 kWh of electrical energy using gLFG as the primary fuel. Stable electrical output was maintained above 3 kW throughout the gLFG operating period, exceeding the milestone target of at least 10 kWh at a minimum continuous output of 1 kW. No measurable difference in electrical performance was observed when switching between fossil LPG and gLFG. Voltage, current and power output remained stable, confirming that gLFG could be used without changes to the system or operating procedure.
Gas analysis provided further insight. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide levels in the reformate remained stable across the different fuels. A modest reduction in carbon monoxide was observed when operating on gLFG with higher dimethyl ether content, which is consistent with the oxygenated structure of dimethyl ether and its effect on reforming behaviour. Methane levels gradually increased with time-on-stream, indicating possible reformer catalyst deactivation associated with heavier hydrocarbons in the crude gLFG feed.
The impact of this demonstration is important for both GreenQUEST and decentralised energy applications. It confirms that gLFG can be used as a direct replacement for fossil LPG in HYENA’s POWER POD and can deliver reliable electricity generation. Together with the cookstove demonstration, this shows that gLFG has potential across multiple LPG-based applications, from household cooking to off-grid power.
Future work should focus on improving the separation and purification of gLFG. Reducing heavier hydrocarbons and recovering unconverted dimethyl ether would improve fuel quality, increase overall yield and reduce the risk of reformer catalyst deactivation during longer operation. These improvements would strengthen the pathway from project-scale demonstration towards pilot-plant production and future field trials.