Due to its heat integration utility, heat exchange reformer (HER) is suitable to use for PEMFC-based residential power generation system. Since dynamics response of reformer affects overall dynamics of fuel processing system, response of HER with step change in various input parameters also needs to be studied. In this study, we present an improved distributed dynamic model for HER which is capable of computing load following characteristics. The dynamic model consists of 20 partial differential equations which are discritized using spline collocation on finite elements. Resulting differential equations along with boundary conditions are solved by stiff solver which utilizes variable order method based on numerical differentiation formulae. Step variations in various input parameters are considered and dynamic response of HER is simulated at those variations. The results provide valuable information about dynamic nature of HER which can be used to frame suitable control strategy. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.