Abstract: A fuel cell unit with a plurality of fuel cells defining a longitudinal axis and a main flow direction coaxial to the longitudinal axis. Fuel cell inlets and fuel cell outlets are arranged at opposite ends of the fuel cell unit and in line with the main flow direction. Also, a component comprising first fluid conduits arranged parallel to the main flow direction, the first fluid conduits comprising first fluid inlets and first fluid outlets arranged at opposite ends of the component and in line with the main flow direction. The component is arranged adjacent the fuel cell unit such that at least one of the first fluid inlets and the first fluid outlets of the component are arranged adjacent at least one of the fuel cell outlets and the fuel cell inlets such that a fluid flow may flow substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus in the first fluid conduits of the component and in the fuel cell unit and when passing from the component to the fuel cell unit or vice versa.

Abstract: A power generation system including a first fuel cell configured to generate a first anode tail gas stream is presented. The system includes at least one fuel reformer configured to receive the first anode tail gas stream, mix the first anode tail gas stream with a reformer fuel stream to form a reformed stream; a splitting mechanism to split the reformed stream into a first portion and a second portion; and a fuel path configured to circulate the first portion to an anode inlet of the first fuel cell, such that the first fuel cell is configured to generate a first electric power, at least in part, by using the first portion as a fuel. The system includes a second fuel cell configured to receive the second portion, and to generate a second electric power, at least in part, by using the second portion as a fuel.

Abstract: A galley system comprising at least one electrically operated galley device, a galley frame having at least one compartment for housing the at least one galley device, at least one fuel cell unit, and a power control and monitoring unit coupled with the at least one galley device and the at least one fuel cell unit. The power control and monitoring unit is adapted for receiving a power request signal from the at least one galley device, for determining, whether the at least one fuel cell unit is able to provide the requested power and for sending an acknowledgment signal to the respective galley device, when the at least one fuel cell unit is able to provide the requested power, and wherein the galley system is independent from an external power supply.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a base, a cover dome removably positioned on the base, and a plurality of fuel cell stacks removably positioned on the base below the cover dome. A modular fuel cell system includes a plurality of the fuel cell stack modules, where each fuel cell stack module may be electrically disconnected, removed from the fuel cell system, repaired or serviced without stopping an operation of the other fuel cell stack modules in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A method for producing A hydrogen gas from formic acid, characterized in that at least one heterogeneous catalyst is used to transform the formic acid into hydrogen gas. The at least one heterogeneous catalyst contains heterogenized ruthenium. According to a first aspect of the invention, the at least one heterogeneous catalyst contains at least one hydrophilic phosphine ligand which is m-TPPTS (meta-trisulfonated triphenylphosphine). The at least one heterogeneous catalyst is preferably obtained by mixing an aqueous solution of RuCl3 with hydrophilic phosphine, firstly activated by carrying out a homogeneous reaction with formic acid and by adding at least one solid structure.

Abstract: A convectively heated steam/methane reformer having a shell and tube reforming reactor for hydrogen production. A reactor core containing the reactants is convectively heated by hot air flowing through the shell or annulus of the reactor. Heated air is supplied to the reactor through several fluid inlets on the shell side of the reformer.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks, and a metal shell located over the base and the fuel cell stacks. The metal shell contains an integrated heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel cell module (includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area around the first area and where a reformer and a heat exchanger are provided, and an annular third area around the second area and where an evaporator is provided. Second circumscribed non-uniform-flow suppression plates are provided along the minimum circumscribed circles which contact outer surfaces of heat exchange pipes of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack, a partial oxidation reformer, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is provided on one side of the fuel cell stack, and the partial oxidation reformer and the exhaust gas combustor are provided on the other side of the fuel cell stack. The partial oxidation reformer is provided around the exhaust gas combustor. The fuel cell module includes a first thermoelectric converter and a second thermoelectric converter for performing thermoelectric conversion based on a temperature difference between the combustion gas and the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing heat from a battery pack is provided, wherein the heat is transferred from at least one electrode of each cell comprising the battery pack, via an electrically and thermally conductive tab, through a current collector plate and through a thermal interface layer to a temperature control panel that is coupled to an external temperature control system.

Abstract: A combined generation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a natural gas synthesizing apparatus for receiving coal and oxygen, generating synthetic gas by a gasifier, and permitting the synthetic gas to pass through a methanation reactor so as to synthesize methane; a fuel cell apparatus for receiving fuel that contains methane from the natural gas synthesizing apparatus and generating electrical energy; and a generating apparatus for producing electrical energy using the fluid discharged from the fuel cell apparatus

Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. The molten carbonate fuel cells can be integrated with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process in various manners, including providing synthesis gas for use in producing hydrocarbonaceous carbons. Additionally, integration of molten carbonate fuel cells with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process can facilitate further processing of vent streams or secondary product streams generated during the synthesis process.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a water evaporation unit configured to mix water with a raw gas; a burner; a combustion exhaust gas flow channel provided on an inner side than the water evaporation unit and through which a combustion exhaust gas from the burner flows; a reforming catalyst layer configured to produce a reformed gas; and a carbon monoxide reduction unit configured to reduce an amount of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas. The water evaporation unit includes a flow channel member defining a flow channel through which the raw gas and the water flow. A pitch of the flow channel member is changed according to at least one of an amount of heat exchange between the combustion exhaust gas flow channel and the water evaporation unit and an amount of heat exchange between the water evaporation unit and the carbon monoxide reduction unit.

Abstract: A gas-supply passage (6) via which anode gas is supplied to a fuel cell unit (2) and a gas-discharge passage (12) via which anode gas is discharged from the fuel cell unit (2) are connected via a communication passage (30). Circulation pump (32) switches the communication state of the communication passage between a closed state and an opened state. Circulation pump (32) causes a gas flow from the gas-discharge passage to the gas-supply passage when the communication passage (30) is in the opened state. The communication passage (30) is normally closed, and it is opened when a predetermined condition related to the operation state of the fuel cell unit (2) is satisfied.

Abstract: A catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from a small organic molecule comprises a tertiary metal composition where: the first metal is either Pt or Ru; the second metal is at least one of Pt, Ru, Au, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, and/or Re; and Bi, primarily present in the form of an oxide or of a mixture of oxides and carbonates and in the +3 oxidation state. A portion of the first and/or second metal may be in the form of an oxide. The catalyst can be in the form of a nanoparticle and supported on an inert substrate, such as carbon. The catalyst can be used for dehydrogenation of formic acid or other small organic molecules in a liquid state at ambient pressures and at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous solution of the small organic molecule.

Abstract: A thermally integrated system for producing electricity from a feedstock fuel is disclosed. The system utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell power plant to provide end-use electricity, end-use heat and end-use reformate includes the steps of providing a fuel cell power plant that consumes reformate to provide electricity and heat, said fuel cell power plant having a nominal reformate flow rate and including a fuel processor system for generating reformate from a hydrocarbon fuel; operating the fuel processor system so as to provide a reformate flow at a rate greater than the nominal reformate flow rate; operating the fuel cell power plant using a first portion of the reformate flow to generate the electricity and the heat, the first portion being less than or equal to the nominal reformate flow rate; and providing a second portion of the reformate flow as the end-use reformate.

Abstract: A technique to provide fuel to a solid oxide fuel cell with low water consumption is described that includes providing an initial fuel mixture with air and hydrocarbon, and partially oxidizing the fuel mixture with a catalyst to provide a reformed fuel mixture. Also included is adding an amount of water to the reformed fuel mixture to reduce formation of elemental carbon from carbon monoxide in the reformed fuel mixture and supplying a portion of the reformed fuel mixture combined with water to an electrochemical device that produces electrical power from hydrogen in the reformed fuel mixture.

Abstract: A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: A technique to provide fuel to a solid oxide fuel cell with low water consumption is described that includes providing an initial fuel mixture with air and hydrocarbon, and partially oxidizing the fuel mixture with a catalyst to provide a reformed fuel mixture. Also included is adding an amount of water to the reformed fuel mixture to reduce formation of elemental carbon from carbon monoxide in the reformed fuel mixture and supplying a portion of the reformed fuel mixture combined with water to an electrochemical device that produces electrical power from hydrogen in the reformed fuel mixture.

Abstract: Gas Stream Production The present invention provides a method for the production of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen gas streams, the method comprising: (i) thermally treating a feedstock material to produce a syngas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen and plasma-treating the syngas in a plasma treatment unit; (ii) reacting the plasma-treated syngas with water in a further treatment unit, whereby at least some of the carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide; and (iii) recovering hydrogen and/or, separately, carbon dioxide from the syngas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock, comprising: a) supplying a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and steam to a reaction zone comprising a steam reforming catalyst and catalytically reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce a reformed gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide; b) supplying a molecular oxygen-comprising gas to the permeate side of a first hydrogen separation membrane; c) contacting a part of the hydrogen with a first hydrogen separation membrane, allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the first hydrogen separation membrane and combusting the hydrogen with the molecular oxygen at a permeate side of the first hydrogen separation membrane to produce all heat necessary for catalytic reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock; d) contacting the remainder of the hydrogen with a second hydrogen separation membrane, which is separate from the first hydrogen separation membrane, and allowing the hydroge

Abstract: An object is to suppress the degradation of durability due to a heat concentration while performing a rapid warm-up operation as necessary, when starting a fuel cell system at temperatures below freezing point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated SOFC system powered by natural gas. Specifically, a SOFC-O cell is combined with a SOFC-H cell so as to take advantage of the high operating temperature and steam reforming capabilities of the SOFC-O cell as well as the higher fuel conversion efficiency of the SOFC-H cell.

Abstract: A fuel treatment device includes: a reforming section that produces a hydrogen-rich gas containing carbon monoxide and water; a converting section that produces a hydrogen-rich gas containing a lower concentration of carbon monoxide by reacting the carbon monoxide and the water in the hydrogen-rich gas; a mixing channel that produces a mixed gas by mixing the hydrogen-rich gas containing the lower concentration of the carbon monoxide with air containing oxygen; an air supplying section that is connected to an upstream end of the mixing channel and supplies the air to the mixing channel; and a selective oxidizing section that is connected to a downstream end of the mixing channel and converts the mixed gas into a fuel gas by reacting the carbon monoxide and the oxygen in the mixed gas, wherein the mixing channel includes a gas supply region at the upstream side and a gas diffusion region at the downstream side, and has two or more gas supply ports connecting the gas supply region with the converting section, a

Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell assembly, a carbon-dioxide-removal unit, an anode exhaust conduit connecting the fuel cell assembly and the carbon-dioxide-removal unit, a fuel source, an oxygen source, a fuel conduit connecting, at least in part, the fuel source with the fuel cell assembly, and a recycle conduit connecting the carbon-dioxide-removal unit with at least one of the fuel cell assembly, the fuel conduit and the fuel source. The fuel cell assembly includes at least one fuel cell, each fuel cell including an anode and a cathode. The carbon-dioxide-removal unit removes carbon dioxide that is in a gas phase. The carbon-dioxide-removal unit includes a carbon-dioxide-removing material. The fuel source and the oxygen source are each independently in fluid communication with the fuel cell assembly. The fuel conduit and the recycle conduit are optionally merged into a single recycle-fuel conduit that extends to the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: In a reforming apparatus, for use in a fuel cell, for reforming a raw fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, a reformer generates the reformed gas from the raw fuel. A shift reactor reduces carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas through a shift reaction. A selective oxidation unit reduces the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas that has passed through the shift reactor by performing selective oxidation on the carbon monoxide. A reforming reaction tube houses linearly the reformer, the shift reactor and the selective oxidation unit in this order.

Abstract: A battery module, including a plurality of unit cells and a cell barrier interposed between the unit cells, is provided. The cell barrier includes a body member extending in a direction and at least partially covering a first outer surface of an adjacent unit cell, the body member having an opening extending in the direction, and a bending element extending from a side of the body member in another direction and at least partially enclosing a second outer surface of the adjacent unit cell, the bending element having an opening extending in the another direction.

Abstract: This fuel cell system [[1]] provides a fuel cell system that can be reduced in cost. This fuel cell system [[1]] includes a reformer [[11]] for reforming raw fuel using a burner [[15]] to generate reformed gas, and a CO shift converter [[12]] shaped like a tube provided integrally with the reformer [[11]] such that the reformer [[11]] is positioned in the tube, for reducing a carbon monoxide concentration in the reformed gas generated by the reformer [[11]]. In the fuel cell system [[1]], the CO shift converter [[12]] can be heated with exhaust gas from the burner [[15]] to increase the temperature thereof. Therefore, the need for a heater to increase the temperature of the CO shift converter [[12]] can be eliminated.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator that is able to maintain an ability to supply a reformed gas containing less CO for a long time period while dealing with degradation of a catalytic activity of a shift reaction by a reliable and simple method, an operation method thereof, and a fuel cell system are provided. In a hydrogen generator (50) comprising a reformer (1), a shift converter (6), a water supply device (3A), a material feed device (2A), and a controller (12), the controller (12) is configured to count the number of times of start-up and/or stop of said hydrogen generator (50) and to increase a temperature or a S/C ratio of the reformed gas flowing in said shift converter (6) according to the counted number of times of start-up and/or stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided comprising: a reformer for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel; and at least one electricity generator for generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The reformer includes a main body in which a plurality of reaction sections for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel is integrally formed. A heating section is disposed in contact with the main body in order to supply different amounts of thermal energy to the plurality of reaction sections.

Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell system comprising: a hydrogen generator including a reformer which has a reforming catalyst and carries out a reforming reaction using the reforming catalyst to generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a raw material, a shift converter which has a shift catalyst and carries out a shift reaction using the shift catalyst to decrease carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas, and a first temperature detector which detects a temperature of the shift converter; a fuel cell which uses the hydrogen-containing gas delivered from the hydrogen generator, to generate electric power; and a control unit, wherein: the control unit does not start delivering the hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrogen generator to the fuel cell when at least the temperature of the shift converter detected by the first temperature detector is not a stable determination temperature or higher; and the stable determination temperature is lower than a control temperature of the shift converter at the tim

Abstract: A waterless power generator, particularly a waterless electrical power generator and a passively controlled process for producing electricity with a fuel cell using stoichiometric amounts of a solid hydrogen fuel and byproduct water vapor produced by the fuel cell to generate hydrogen gas. A fuel cell reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical energy as well as by-product water which diffuses back into the power generator as water vapor to react with the hydrogen fuel, producing more hydrogen gas. This generated hydrogen gas is then used as a fuel which allows the fuel cell to generate additional electrical power and additional water. The process runs without any attached water source or water supply other than the water which is produced by the fuel cells themselves.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and an operating method of the same. The fuel cell system includes a carbon monoxide adsorbing device that is disposed at an exit of a shift reactor and removes carbon monoxide which is not completely removed in the shift reactor. Therefore, a start-up time of the fuel cell system is remarkably reduced without poisoning catalysts of electrodes of the fuel cell. An overall volume of the fuel cell system can be reduced since the carbon monoxide adsorbing device is only operating during the start-up, and thus the fuel cell system can be economically manufactured and operated. Additionally, the carbon monoxide adsorbent can be regenerated, thereby increasing economic efficiency of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst precursor substance containing copper, zinc, and aluminum and exhibiting an X-ray diffraction pattern having a broad peak at a specific interplanar spacing d (?). The present invention also provides a method for producing the catalyst precursor substance by mixing a solution containing a copper salt, a zinc salt, and an aluminum salt with a solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, thereby forming a precipitate. In the present invention, a catalyst is prepared through calcining of the catalyst precursor; the catalyst is employed for water gas shift reaction; and carbon monoxide conversion is carried out by use of the catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a hydrogen storage tank, the fuel cell including: a hydrogen generator generating hydrogen by a chemical reaction between an alkaline solution with an alkaline catalyst for hydrogen generation, dissolved in water, and a metallic powder for hydrogen generation; hydrogen storage having a hydrogen occlusion metal to which the hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generator is occluded, to store hydrogen; and power generator receiving hydrogen released from the hydrogen occlusion metal by heat provided to the hydrogen occlusion metal and generating electricity. The hydrogen generator, hydrogen storage tank, and power generator are stacked on one another and are integrally assembled by a plurality of clips, each of which has lower and upper ends fastened to a lower groove formed on a lower surface of the hydrogen generator and to an upper groove formed on an upper surface of the power generator, respectively, exerting strength for integral fixing.

Abstract: A preferential oxidation reactor for removing carbon monoxide in a hydrogen mixture gas is disclosed. The preferential oxidation reactor may include a housing having a catalytic layer provided therein, a mixture gas supply portion inserted into the interior of the housing and penetrating the catalytic layer, a condensate receiving portion contained within the housing and in fluid communication with a gas outlet port of the mixture gas supply portion and condensate control tubes arranged in the catalytic layer of the housing and in fluid communication with the condensate receiving portion. The condensate control tubes may have a capillary structure. A fuel cell system including the preferential oxidation reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrical power generators incorporating stabilized fuels and methods for the encapsulation of fuels are provided. More particularly, methods for the passivation or encapsulation of water reactive, hydrogen gas generating fuels. The electrical power generators employ water reactive fuels encapsulated in a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane, or coated with a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable substance to control the quantity of water that is permitted reach the chemical fuel. In the event of damage, electrical power generators incorporating the fuels of the invention are protected from explosions that might otherwise result from rapid, uncontrolled hydrogen generation.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a method for producing nanoparticles, as well as the nanoparticles produced by this method. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles produced by the disclosed method have a high defect density. A solution including cerium nitrate hexahydrate is combined with a solution including hexamethylenetetramine to form a combined aqueous solution. After a period of time, the combined aqueous solution is combined with a solution including copper nitrate trihydrate to form a further aqueous solution. The further aqueous solution is then mixed to produce nanoparticles.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel gas supply unit for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell, an oxygen containing gas supply unit, which has a heat exchanger for heating an oxygen-containing gas, for supplying the oxygen-containing gas heated by the heat exchanger to the fuel cell, an exhaust gas discharge unit for supplying an exhaust gas used in a generating reaction and discharged from the fuel cell, as a heating medium for heating the oxygen-containing gas to the heat exchanger, and a combustion gas supply unit, which has a combustor disposed out of a passageway of the exhaust gas discharge unit for generating a combustion gas by combusting a raw fuel with an oxygen-containing gas supplied thereto, for supplying the combustion gas, together with the exhaust gas, to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a catalyst packed portion containing therein fuel reforming catalyst (I) having excellent hydrocarbon conversion rate and fuel reforming catalyst (II) having excellent H2+CO formation rate. Each of catalyst (I) and catalyst (II) especially preferably includes rhodium supported thereon. When the carrier for catalyst (I) is aluminum oxide and the carrier for catalyst (II) is cerium oxide, the hydrogen generation efficiency is excellent particularly even at start-up.

Abstract: An apparatus including storage means containing methanol and a peroxide, a housing containing a catalyst comprising at least one group 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 transition metal, and means for introducing the methanol and the peroxide into the housing.

Abstract: A method of generating hydrogen, the method including: reducing carbon dioxide to generate carbon monoxide and oxygen; separating the oxygen from the carbon monoxide; generating carbon dioxide and hydrogen by a water-gas shift reaction between water and the carbon monoxide remaining after the separating the oxygen from the carbon monoxide; and separating the generated carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit for generating electricity via executing an electrochemical reaction on fuel, a fuel supply for storing the natural gas, water and air and a re-composing unit for re-composing natural gas, water and air into the fuel. A pipe transfers the natural gas, water and air into the re-composing unit from the fuel supply. Another pipe transfers the fuel into the fuel cell unit from the re-composing unit. Another pipe transfers hot air into the re-composing unit from the fuel cell unit. A mixing unit mixes air with residual fuel from the fuel cell unit. A combusting unit burns the mixture from the mixing unit. A heat-exchanging unit executes heat-exchanging between air and the exhaust from the combusting unit. The heat-exchanging unit includes an air-inletting port, an exhaust port and another port for sending hot air into the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing hydrogen for a fuel cell by (a) reacting a fuel comprising a hydrocarbon and/or an oxygenate with steam, under steam reforming conditions in a reforming reactor to produce a product stream comprising hydrogen, (b) feeding at least part of the hydrogen produced in step a) to a fuel cell, to produce electric power and a waste stream comprising hydrogen, (c) reacting at least part of the waste stream from step b) with an oxygen-containing gas in a combustion reactor, and (d) using the heat energy produced in step c) to supply energy to the steam reforming reaction in step a) in which the combustion reactor is positioned within the reforming reactor to facilitate heat transfer between the stages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reformer for a fuel cell. The reformer for a fuel cell includes a reforming reactor generating reformed gas having abundant hydrogen gas by reforming fuel and steam and a standing shape of a water gas shift reactor coupled to the reforming reactor for lowering the concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas. The water gas shift reactor has an opening. A pipe is coupled to the opening and has a portion located below the opening. Liquid water which may stay in the inside at the time that the operation stops can be drained out of the water gas shift reactor to prevent the water gas shift catalyst from being submerged in liquid water.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is the integration of a fuel reformer reactor and a carbon dioxide scrubbing reactor for use in high temperature fuel cells. The reformer is placed in series with and between two carbon dioxide scrubbers. Fuel gas from the fuel cell is passed through a first carbon dioxide scrubber where the fuel gas is heated, has carbon dioxide gas removed there from, and is passed to the reformer. The gas exiting the reformer is scrubbed and heated by the second carbon dioxide scrubber before the gas is supplied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from a small organic molecule comprises a tertiary metal composition where: the first metal is either Pt or Ru; the second metal is at least one of Pt, Ru, Au, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, and/or Re; and Bi, primarily present in the form of an oxide or of a mixture of oxides and carbonates and in the +3 oxidation state. A portion of the first and/or second metal may be in the form of an oxide. The catalyst can be in the form of a nanoparticle and supported on an inert substrate, such as carbon. The catalyst can be used for dehydrogenation of formic acid or other small organic molecules in a liquid state at ambient pressures and at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous solution of the small organic molecule.