Once through molten carbonate fuel cell system

Patent · Tue Feb 20 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6912575

Wertheim, R J

This patent describes a fuel cell system. It comprises: a plurality of fuel cells connected electrically through a load, each cell comprising a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, an electrolyte disposed therebetween, a cathode chamber, and an anode chamber; an autothermal reformer for partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions; means for introducing fuel wherein the fuel enters the system through the autothermal reformer; means for delivering the gases from the autothermal reformer to the anode chamber; means for delivering the gases from a heat recovery means to a burner; means for introducing pre-heated air, the air being a source of oxygen and nitrogen for the system, to the burner wherein excess fuel is burned; means for delivering the resulting gases to the cathode chamber; means for delivering the effluent gases from the cathode chamber to the autothermal reformer; and means for exhausting excess gases from the system. The water produced in the anode chamber and the excess oxygen in the cathode chamber are utilized in the autothermal reformer for the partial oxidation and steam reformation reactions.

• Assignee: International Fuel Cells Corp., South Windsor, CT
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4902586
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-399674A
• OSTI ID: 6912575
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
EQUIPMENT
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
FLUID FLOW
FUEL CELLS
GAS FLOW
HEAT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS
REFORMER PROCESSES