Compact hydrogen generator
US4737161A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The device catalytically reforms a raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas for fueling a fuel cell stack. The device is compact so as to be usable in mobile or temporary applications, such as in vehicles, trailors, as an emergency generator or the like. The device has generally cylindrical housing with an axial burner and a helical catalyst tube outside of the burner and inside of the housing. A refractory heat shield sleeve is interposed between the burner and the helical tube so that heat from the burner progresses to one end of the housing and then passes between the heat shield and housing side wall to envelop the catalyst tube. A gas deflector and swirler may be disposed at the end of the heat shield to properly direct the hot gases from the burner to the catalyst tube. Raw fuel is percolated through the catalyst tube and converted therein to a hydrogen rich gaseous fuel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.