Abstract: A fuel cell electric power generation system includes an electric power generation subsystem, a fuel processing subsystem including a furnace, an oxidant subsystem, a water circulation subsystem, and a temperature control subsystem. Interactions between the subsystems are simplified and component integration improves thermal and electrical efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, a reformer, a fuel stream humidifier and a heat exchanger are disposed within the furnace, with the humidifier outlet fluidly connected to the reformer inlet and the heat exchanger outlet fluidly connected to a desulfurizer located outside of the furnace. The fuel processing subsystem can also include a shift reactor that exchanges heat with a cathode exhaust stream directed to the shift reactor from the power generation subsystem. After passing through the shift reactor, the cathode exhaust stream is preferably directed to the furnace burner.

Abstract: Selective oxidizers and methods of selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-containing gas mixture are provided. In one aspect, the present selective oxidizer assembly consists essentially of: a feed gas inlet for directing a feed gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen into the assembly; an injector upstream of the feed gas inlet for supplying a gas stream comprising oxygen to the assembly; a catalyst bed for converting the feed gas and oxygen to a process gas, the catalyst bed comprising a selective oxidation catalyst on a metal foam support; and a process gas outlet.

Abstract: A method of purging a fuel processing system comprising a steam reformer having a catalyst comprising nickel is provided. In one embodiment, the present method comprises supplying a purge gas to the steam reformer, the purge gas comprising an inert gas and hydrogen. A fuel processing system is also provided, the present system comprising: a steam reformer having a catalyst comprising nickel; means for supplying a purge gas at least to the reformer; and, a hydrogen supply for supplying hydrogen to the purge gas.

Abstract: In a system and method for accurately calculating a steam-carbon ratio in a steam reformer or the like, a level control device operates a control valve to maintain the water in the steam reformer at a substantially constant level. A meter upstream of the heat exchanger measures the amount of water entering the heat exchanger. With a reading from that meter, the steam-carbon ratio at the reformer can be accurately counted. In another embodiment of the present invention, a process gas inlet incorporates an elongated body extending at least partially through the process portion of the heat exchanger. Openings spaced apart along the length of the body distribute the process gas along the length of the heat exchanger. In still another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of dividers is spaced apart along a width of the process portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical component enclosure for installation in a location where a flammable gas or vapor is expected to be present. The electrical component enclosure incorporates a catalyst for inducing a reaction to convert a flammable fluid to a non-flammable product, thereby reducing the flammable fluid concentration and reducing the likelihood of the flammable fluid being ignited. The enclosure preferably permits the free exchange of gas and vapor between the surrounding atmosphere and the enclosure interior.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric power generation system comprises an electric power generation subsystem, a fuel processing subsystem, an oxidant subsystem, a water circulation subsystem, and a temperature control subsystem. The improved system employs a novel arrangement of components which provides improved interaction between the subsystems while also simplifying the apparatus by integrating components to provide improved thermal and electrical efficiency. The fuel processing subsystem preferably comprises a furnace for providing heat to a plurality of components disposed within the furnace. In one embodiment, a reformer, a fuel stream humidifier, and a heat exchanger are all disposed within the furnace vessel, with the outlet of the humidifier fluidly connected to the inlet of the reformer and the outlet of the heat exchanger fluidly connected to a desulfurizer located external to the furnace.

Abstract: An oilless gas compressor includes a motor containment vessel containing a motor for driving the compressor and a crankcase attached to the motor containment vessel. The crankcase and the motor containment vessel are fluidly connected and together define a sealed, pressurizable interior cavity in which the rotatable motor shaft is disposed. The compressor further includes a cylinder mounted upon the crankcase, the cylinder having a piston disposed therein. The piston is connected to the shaft for reciprocation of the piston within the cylinder. The cylinder also includes a gas intake valve, fluidly connected to the compressor suction inlet port, and a gas discharge valve, fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet port. The oilless gas compressor, in which the need for perimeter rotating shaft seals is obviated, is suitable for compression of precious or toxic gases or flammable gases, such as natural gas.

Abstract: A catalytic reformer includes a reformer vessel defining an interior plenum housing at least one reactor tube assembly having a catalyst bed. The reformer also includes a burner gas inlet for providing hot burner gas to heat the reactor tubes, and a burner gas outlet. A burner gas guide sleeve is disposed substantially coaxially around at least a portion of the reactor tube assembly, defining an annular burner gas passage. A burner exhaust gas collection assembly connects the burner gas guide sleeve to the burner gas outlet.