Methanol to hydrogen
Methanol reformers for on-site hydrogen and fuel cell power
CO-WIN develops methanol-water reformers for hydrogen supply and integrated fuel cell generators for electrical power. Choose by hydrogen demand or electrical load, then review fuel quality, start-up conditions and site integration.
Explore products and specifications · Discuss your application
From liquid feedstock to hydrogen and electricity
A methanol-water system combines fuel preparation, reforming and hydrogen purification. Downstream equipment can consume the hydrogen, or a fuel cell can convert it to electrical power. The CW-HG4 product page describes CO-WIN's palladium-membrane purification and fuel requirements.
Check fuel and start-up requirements
CO-WIN HG and MFC product pages specify a 62% methanol / 38% deionized-water mixture. Feedstock quality, ventilation and system integration must follow the equipment requirements. Hot standby and cold start are different conditions: the CW-HG36 page lists a 2–4 hour start-up time.
Compare CO-WIN hydrogen and power systems
Hydrogen flow and electrical power are different outputs. The values below come from the linked CO-WIN product pages; they are not a conversion between gas flow and electrical output.
| Model | Published output | System output |
|---|---|---|
| CW-HG4 | 4 Nm³/h hydrogen | Hydrogen supply |
| CW-HG36 | 36 Nm³/h hydrogen at 1 bar | Hydrogen supply |
| CW-MHS500 | 500 Nm³/h hydrogen at 0.2 MPa | Hydrogen supply |
| CW-MFC5 | 4 kW rated / 5 kW peak | Electrical power |
| CW-MFC10 | 8 kW rated / 10 kW peak | Electrical power |
| CW-MFC20 | 15 kW rated / 20 kW peak | Electrical power |
Fuel consumption figures on product pages refer to stable laboratory operation at 25°C. Site conditions and auxiliaries can change consumption. For the skid-mounted CW-MHS500, review industrial system specifications.
Match equipment to the application
- Telecom backup power: review the load profile, DC output and fuel replenishment, with published telecom project context.
- Stationary and mobile hydrogen supply: define flow, purity, pressure and downstream integration.
- Hydrogen production and refueling: assess the complete station, including compression and storage requirements.
- Industrial hydrogen blending: confirm burner compatibility and project-specific operating requirements.
Methanol reformer questions
What is a methanol reformer?
A methanol reformer converts methanol and water into hydrogen-containing gas. Hydrogen purification prepares the output for downstream equipment. A hydrogen generator supplies gas; an integrated fuel cell generator also converts hydrogen into electricity.
Which CO-WIN system supplies hydrogen rather than electricity?
The HG series supplies hydrogen for downstream equipment. The MFC series integrates hydrogen production with fuel-cell power generation. Select a system by required hydrogen flow or electrical load, then confirm operating conditions with CO-WIN.
How do rated power and peak power differ?
Rated net power is the published operating output used for load matching; peak net power is a separate limit. CW-MFC5, CW-MFC10 and CW-MFC20 list rated/peak values of 4/5, 8/10 and 15/20 kW. Confirm peak duration, transient loads and auxiliary consumption before selection.
Does methanol-to-hydrogen production emit carbon dioxide?
Methanol reforming produces carbon dioxide. Lifecycle emissions depend on methanol production, process energy and system operation. Renewable methanol may change the lifecycle footprint, but a specific reduction requires a defined baseline and assessment.
What information is needed for a system quotation?
Provide the hydrogen flow, purity and pressure requirement, or the continuous and peak electrical load. Include the site location, ambient conditions, operating hours, fuel supply, output voltage and installation constraints. CO-WIN can then review system configuration and integration requirements.
Prepare your technical enquiry
Start with the required output and operating conditions. Compare the published product data, review the relevant application and send your site requirements to CO-WIN.
Request a system review Download the CO-WIN capability brochure (PDF)