Integrated manifold/reformer for fuel cell systems
US6326095A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell manifold arrangement includes a fuel cell stack and a manifold enclosure connected to and sealed to an inlet side of the fuel cell stack and defining with the stack a gas plenum for receiving a fuel gas for the fuel cell stack. A catalyst screen is connected to the manifold enclosure for defining a gas passage for passing fuel gas and for containing a catalyst that is bounded by the screen. The manifold enclosure has a gas inlet for receiving fuel gas, the gas inlet communicating with the screen for passing fuel gas through the screen and past the catalyst. A plate in the manifold enclosure separates the catalyst from the plenum and heat insulation is on at least part of the manifold enclosure and on at least part of the plate for insulating the manifold enclosure from the fuel cell stack and from an exterior of the manifold enclosure. A passage in the manifold enclosure connects the screen to the plenum for passing fuel gas from the catalyst to the plenum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.