Abstract: A fuel processor (10) comprises a supply of natural gas (12) and a compressor (14), which compresses the natural gas and supplies the natural gas to a partial oxidation reactor (16). A supply of oxygen (20) supplies the oxygen to the partial oxidation reactor (16). The partial oxidation reactor (16) partially reacts the natural gas and the oxygen to form a mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The partial oxidation reactor (16) supplies the mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a turbine (20). The turbine (20) is arranged to drive the compressor (14). The turbine (20) expands and cools the mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide and supplies the mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a fuel cell stack (22) requiring hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A pre-reformer (10) comprises a non-electrically conducting gas tight duct (12) and an electrically conducting wire (14) arranged in the duct (12). The electrically conducting wire (14) is electrically isolated from the duct (12). The duct (12) has an inlet (16) for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel at a first end (18) and an outlet (20) for supplying a pre-reformed hydrocarbon fuel at a second end (22). At least the inner surface (24) of the duct (12) is chemically inert with respect to the hydrocarbon fuel. An electrical power supply (26) is electrically connected to the electrically conducting wire (14) and a control means (28) controls the supply of electrical current through the electrically conducting wire (14) to maintain the electrically conducting wire (14) at a temperature to provide selective thermal decomposition of higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon fuel. The performer reduces coking in associated fuel cells and other parts of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: A rotor 10 for an electrical machine comprising a rotor body 12, at least one magnet 18 coupled to the rotor body 12 and a retainer 22 for retaining the at least one magnet 18 to the rotor body 12, the retainer 22 comprising at least one elongate fibre in a metal matrix.