Method and system for humidification of a fuel
US6514634B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for forming a hydrogen-rich reactant stream for use in a fuel cell is disclosed. The method comprises combining a hydrocarbon fuel with water to form humidified fuel and then pressurizing the humidified fuel. The pressurized, humidified fuel is then introduced to a fuel processor to produce a hydrogen-rich reactant for a fuel cell. By humidifying fuel prior to pressurization, a lower temperature of the water may be used compared to the temperature of the water required for humidifying pressurized fuel, thereby providing a more efficient method of producing a hydrogen-rich reactant for a fuel cell. Systems for effecting this method are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.