Control system for providing hydrogen for use with fuel cells
US6280864A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Hydrogen generation and fuel cell operation are integrated through the use of a low-cost hydrogen generation zone which comprises a pre-reforming zone, a partial oxidation zone, a reforming zone, and a water gas shift zone. Anode waste gas from the fuel cell is burned to provide heat to pre-reform the feed to the hydrogen generation zone while the burner exit temperature and the reforming zone exit temperatures are controlled using a simplified control system to eliminate thermal cycling in the hydrogenation zone. This simplified control of the hot side temperatures in the hydrogen generation zone below about 700.degree. C. combined with use of the pre-reforming zone, surprisingly permits the use of carbon steel and/or stainless steel for construction of the hydrogenation zone while providing an efficient system which does not require external fuel and offers a high degree of feedstock flexibility at low cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.