Integrated fuel cell and fuel conversion apparatus

Patent · Tue Apr 29 04:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:5695367

Sederquist, R A

A pair of reaction vessels provide hydrogen to a fuel cell by making hydrogen in one of the vessels while simultaneously regenerating the other vessel, and then reversing the function of the vessels. In the vessel making hydrogen a hydrocarbon feedstock is cracked and steam reformed using sensible heat generated during the regeneration of the vessel. Regeneration includes preheating, separately within the reaction vessel, fuel cell fuel electrode exhaust and an oxygen containing gas. Preheating is accomplished using the heat of combustion and/or sensible heat stored within material disposed within the vessel while it is making hydrogen. After being preheated the fuel electrode exhaust and oxygen containing gas are allowed to mix and combust within the vessel, thereby heating materials disposed therein. This heat is the heat used to crack and steam reform the hydrocarbon fuel.

• Assignee: United Technologies Corp
• Patent Number(s): US 4200682
• OSTI ID: 5695367
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
080103 -- Hydrogen-- Production-- Steam Reformer Processes
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501* -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION HEAT
CRACKING
DECOMPOSITION
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
ENTHALPY
FUEL CELLS
GASIFICATION
HEAT
HEAT TREATMENTS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROCRACKING
HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PYROLYSIS
REACTION HEAT
REFORMER PROCESSES
STEAM REFORMER PROCESSES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES