Hydrogen production apparatus and method operable without supply of steam and suitable for fuel cell systems
US6103411A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hydrogen production apparatus is disclosed which operates based on a steam reforming method and operates without supply of steam from outside. The hydrogen production apparatus humidifies air by allowing air to contact with warm water to generate a mixture of air and steam, mixes the mixture with a hydrocarbon fuel. Alternatively, the hydrogen production apparatus humidifies a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and air by allowing the mixture to contact with warm water to generate a mixed gas of the hydrocarbon fuel, air, and steam. The hydrogen production apparatus then allows air to partially oxidize the hydrocarbon fuel and allows the steam to reform the hydrocarbon fuel, resulting in the production of hydrogen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.