Pre-reformer for selective reformation of higher hydrocarbons
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An anode recuperator for a fuel cell system, comprising:
- an annular pre-reformer configured to at least partially reform a fuel;
an annular first fuel passage configured to provide fuel to the pre-reformer; and
an annular anode exhaust passage surrounding the first fuel passage and the pre-reformer and located radially to the outside of the pre-reformer, the anode exhaust passage being thermally coupled to the first fuel passage, such that anode exhaust flowing through the anode exhaust passage provides heat to fuel in the first fuel passage,wherein the pre-reformer is separated from the anode exhaust passage by the first fuel passage.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided integrating an annular pre-reformer as part of an anode recuperator of a fuel cell system.
226 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. An anode recuperator for a fuel cell system, comprising:
-
an annular pre-reformer configured to at least partially reform a fuel; an annular first fuel passage configured to provide fuel to the pre-reformer; and an annular anode exhaust passage surrounding the first fuel passage and the pre-reformer and located radially to the outside of the pre-reformer, the anode exhaust passage being thermally coupled to the first fuel passage, such that anode exhaust flowing through the anode exhaust passage provides heat to fuel in the first fuel passage, wherein the pre-reformer is separated from the anode exhaust passage by the first fuel passage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. An anode recuperator for a fuel cell system, comprising:
-
an annular pre-reformer configured to at least partially reform a fuel; an annular first fuel passage configured to provide fuel to the pre-reformer; an annular second fuel passage configured to receive fuel from the pre-reformer; and an annular anode exhaust passage surrounding the first fuel passage, the second fuel passage, and the pre-reformer, and located radially to the outside of the pre-reformer, wherein; the anode exhaust passage is thermally coupled the second fuel passage, such that anode exhaust flowing through the anode exhaust passage provides heat to fuel in the second fuel passage, and the pre-reformer is separated from the anode exhaust passage by at least one of the first fuel passage and the second fuel passage. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification