Electrochemical hydrogen compressor with electrochemical autothermal reformer
US5900031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A hydrogen production plant includes an electrochemical autothermal reformer (EATR) that provides hydrogen to an electrochemical hydrogen compressor. The EATR includes an autothermal reformer region, a mixed ion conductor, and an anode supply region. The mixed ion conductor separates the autothermal reformer region from the anode supply region. An anode gas loop between the anode supply region of the EATR and anode section of the electrochemical hydrogen compressor cell circulates a mixture of hydrogen and a carrier gas therebetween. The carrier gas ensures proper partial pressures of hydrogen in the two regions. A difference in operating temperature between the EATR and the electrochemical hydrogen compressor is exploited by heat exchangers which efficiently enable certain heating and cooling functions within the combined system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.