Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.

Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane, and a gas-tight seal, where the seal is uses a low temperature melting point metal, which upon heating above the melting point subsequently forms a seal alloy with adjacent metals, where the alloy has a melting point above the operational temperature of the purifier. The purifier further is constructed such that a degree of isolation exists between the metal that melts to form the seal and the active area of the purifier membrane, so that the active area of the purifier membrane is not corrupted. A method of forming a hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane with a seal of the same type is also disclosed.

Abstract: A linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock, operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels, has a linear burner distributor with at least two fuel distribution apertures for distribution of fuel, a supply of air, where the fuel and air mix in a linear mixing cavity to form a catalytically combustible mixture, a catalytic burner element, an electric heater in heat transferring relation to at least one of the burner distributor and the catalytic burner element, a catalyst bed, a boiler for boiling and heating the feedstock, and an exhaust heat exchanger effective for pre-heating the supply of air to the burner.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system has a fuel cell capable of generating electrical power, a battery holder releasably mounting at least one rechargeable battery, and a power controller which receives the electrical power from the fuel cell and distributes the electrical power to an output bus for use by an external load and to the battery for charging the battery. The rechargeable batteries may be easily inserted and removed from the system, with the batteries providing start-up power for the fuel cell power source, as well as surge power when the external electrical load is connected to the power system, or when the load exceeds the capacity of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system is protected from electromagnetic pulse energy damage through the use of a protective enclosure. In addition, electrical lines entering or exiting the system contain voltage or current spike suppression devices sufficient to prevent damage to the electronics contained within the enclosure. Also, any openings in the enclosure will have electromagnetic pulse attenuating grids or honeycomb covers, and any viewing ports through the enclosure may be protected with transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide coated onto glass.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system has a fuel cell capable of generating electrical power, a battery holder releasably mounting at least one rechargeable battery, and a power controller which receives the electrical power from the fuel cell and distributes the electrical power to an output bus for use by an external load and to the battery for charging the battery. The rechargeable batteries may be easily inserted and removed from the system, with the batteries providing start-up power for the fuel cell power source, as well as surge power when the external electrical load is connected to the power system, or when the load exceeds the capacity of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system includes a fuel cell stack having at least two fuel cell groups in series with each other and with each fuel cell group having more than one individual fuel cell, and a power controller which receives electrical power from the fuel cell stack and distributes the electrical power to an output bus. The power controller includes a DC-DC converter, and a reduction logic circuit operative to limit current through the DC-DC converter in response to voltage across each fuel cell group so that a minimum voltage is maintained across each fuel cell group. When used in combination with a hydrogen reformer, the reduction logic circuit is also operative to limit current through the DC-DC converter in response to hydrogen pressure supplied by the reformer to the fuel cell stack so that a minimum pressure is maintained for the hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack.