Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and a heater. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel; the heater provides heat to the reformer. Multipass reformer and heater chambers are described that reduce fuel processor size. Single layer fuel processors include reformer and heater chambers in a compact form factor that is well suited for portable applications. Some fuel processors described herein place an electrically resistive material in contact with a thermally conductive material to heat fuel entering the fuel processor. This is particularly useful during start-up of the fuel processor. Fuel processors described may also include features that facilitate assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 2011
Date of Patent:
September 2, 2014
Assignee:
UltraCell, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Jennifer E. Brantley, Ian W. Kaye, Arpad Somogyvari, Gerry Tucker, Fan Liang Chan
Abstract: Described herein are portable fuel cell systems for producing electrical energy. The portable fuel cell systems include a fuel processor including a reformer and a burner. The reformer receives fuel and outputs hydrogen using the fuel. The burner processes fuel to generate heat. The system also includes a fuel cell configured to produce electrical energy using hydrogen output by the reformer. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat generated in the fuel cell or generated in the fuel processor to a reactant fluid.
Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel and includes a low pressure drop burner. The low pressure drop burner permits the use of a low pressure air supply such as a fan to move products and reactants through the burner.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 19, 2009
Date of Patent:
March 6, 2012
Assignee:
UltraCell, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Jennifer E. Brantley, Ian W. Kaye, Hiep T. Nguyen