Fuel cell system
US8197975B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit, a reformer with a catalyst and heat pipes around the catalyst, and a combustor connected to the heat pipes. A first fuel pipe sends fuel into the reformer. The fuel is reformed in the reformer. A first air port sends air into the reformer. An anode pipe sends the reformed fuel into the fuel cell unit. The chemical reaction of the reformed fuel occurs in the fuel cell unit. A cathode pipe sends the air into the fuel cell unit. A residual reformed fuel pipe sends residual reformed fuel into the combustor. A hot air pipe sends hot air into the combustor. The residual reformed fuel pipe is mixed with the hot air and burned in the combustor. A second fuel pipe sends more fuel into the combustor if necessary. A second air port sends air into the combustor if necessary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.