Abstract: An apparatus for processing fuel gases, in particular for a fuel cell, includes primary and secondary catalytic oxidation means for the oxidation of carbon monoxide in a reformed fuel gas flow. Small quantities of oxygen required for the secondary oxidation are provided by passing the oxygen through a first oxygen permeable membrane. The oxygen may be supplied as air, pure oxygen or an oxygenated solution. An oxygen fuel supply to the fuel cell may additionally be humidified by allowing water to pass from a water flow across a further membrane into the oxygen supply. Oxygen passing across the further membrane in the opposite sense to the water may serve to oxygenate the water for supplying to the first membrane.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to an electrical power generation system and a method of electrical power generation. The system includes a supply of hydrogen-containing fuel and a reformer for obtaining hydrogen therefrom, a supply of oxygen and a material for producing an exothermic reaction. The system also includes a fuel cell and means for disposing of waste products arising from the fuel cell and other parts of the system, a control means and heat exchange means for regulating flow streams and balancing the heating and cooling requirements. The reformer comprises a reforming chamber, inlet and outlet for the fuel. Also the reformer includes a second chamber which surrounds the reforming chamber and a preheating chamber. Fins extend through a wall separating the reforming and surrounding chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrical generating plant, especially for use in a submarine, having dual modes of operation and which comprises a fuel cell which requires a supply of gaseous hydrogen and a supply of gaseous oxygen in order to generate an electrical output. First supply means supplies to the plant a hydrogen-containing compound, preferably methanol, which is liquid at NTP and which can undergo an endothermic reaction to liberate gaseous hydrogen, and second supply means is provided which is selectively operable for supplying to the plant liquid hydrogen peroxide in a first mode of operation and air in a second mode of operation. A reformer is connected to the first supply means and causes the hydrogen-containing compound to undergo the endothermic reaction with liberation of gaseous hydrogen, whereas a decomposer is selectively connectible to the second supply means, in the first mode of operation, and is arranged to decompose the hydrogen peroxide exothermically so as to liberate gaseous oxygen.