Patent · US Active

System and method for processing fuel for use by a fuel cell using a micro-channel catalytic hydrogen separator

US7704485B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 27, 2006
Grant dateApr 27, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 6, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P20/10
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A power generation system and a fuel processor for use within a power generation system. A common hydrocarbon fuel is introduced into the heated reaction chamber along with water vapor. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react, producing less complex resultant gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water that can be recycled back into the system. A standard hydrocarbon fuel can therefore be used to power a fuel cell in a highly efficient, singe-step process.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.