Fuel cell power plant reformer

Patent · Tue Apr 11 04:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5958293

Cohen, R; Olesen, O L; Faintani, J J; Suljak, G T

This patent describes a catalytic reformer assembly used in a fuel cell power plant, which converts raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen-rich gaseous fuel, the reformer assembly comprising: (a) a housing having a cylindrical side wall, a first dome-shaped end wall, and a second end wall opposite the first wall; (b) a burner in the housing positioned coaxially with the housing side wall, the burner opening through the housing second wall and including a hot gas tube which extends toward the first wall of the housing; (c) a plurality of catalyst tubes disposed in the housing; and (d) at least one optical temperature sensor means mounted on the housing and focused on the portions of the catalyst tubes in the first tier which lie between the imaginary planes to monitor the temperature of catalyst tubes in the first tier. The patent also describes a second type of reformer assembly.

• Assignee: International Fuel Cells Corp., South Windsor, CT
• Patent Number(s): US 4820314
• OSTI ID: 5958293
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501* -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
BURNERS
CATALYSTS
CATALYTIC REFORMING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMICAL REACTORS
COVERINGS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL CELL POWER PLANTS
FUEL CELLS
FUELS
HYDROCARBON FUEL CELLS
PETROLEUM
POWER PLANTS
REFORMER PROCESSES