System and method for fuel cell operation with in-situ reformer regeneration
US7713642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for operating a fuel cell, including reacting a fuel with an oxidant within the fuel cell to produce electricity and reaction products comprising steam. The fuel is fed through the fuel cell, wherein a concentration of the steam increases in the first direction through the fuel cell. The direction of fuel-flow through the fuel cell is altered or reversed upon satisfying a condition, thereby altering the concentration gradient of steam in the fuel cell and providing for removal of carbon deposition with the fuel cell. Such reversal of fuel flow may also provide an exhaust from the fuel cell that can regenerate an external or adjacent hydrocarbon reformer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.