Integrated fuel cell electric power generation system for submarine applications
US6063515A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated electrochemical fuel cell power plant, including a fuel processing subsystem is suitable for use in a submarine. Selection and control of operating temperatures and pressures in the various subsystems and components of the fuel cell power plant are important aspects of submarine power plant design. A catalytic burner is used to heat a heat transfer fluid, which in turn is used to heat a vaporizer and reformer in the fuel processing subsystem. A hydrogen separator is used to obtain a substantially pure hydrogen fuel stream from the reformate stream, which is directed to and recirculated through the fuel cell stack in a closed-loop. The fuel processor is operated at high pressure which facilitates the discharge of waste exhaust streams overboard, and the fuel cell is operated at a substantially lower pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.