Thermally integrated hotbox combining a steam reformer with SOFC stacks
US11476484B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermally integrated hotbox apparatus combining a steam reformer, a plurality of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, a plurality of oxidant manifolds, and at least one heat extractor. The steam reformer occupies a central position in the hotbox, around which are disposed in spaced-apart relation a plurality of SOFC stacks. A burner may be associated with the steam reformer, either within or outside the hotbox. An oxidant manifold is disposed between each pair of adjacent SOFC stacks. A heat exchanger is incorporated between an SOFC stack and an oxygen manifold. The hotbox design optimally captures thermal heat from the SOFC stacks for use in producing steam and operating the endothermic steam reformer. The apparatus reduces duty cycle of the burner, which produces heat and steam needed for operation of the endothermic steam reformer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.