Fuel processor for use with portable fuel cells
US8821832B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and a heater. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel; the heater provides heat to the reformer. Multipass reformer and heater chambers are described that reduce fuel processor size. Single layer fuel processors include reformer and heater chambers in a compact form factor that is well suited for portable applications. Some fuel processors described herein place an electrically resistive material in contact with a thermally conductive material to heat fuel entering the fuel processor. This is particularly useful during start-up of the fuel processor. Fuel processors described may also include features that facilitate assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.