Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having an anode-side and a cathode-side, said mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from the anode-side and an oxidant supply gas, said mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area receiving and mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured so as to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture; a second area coupled with the first area, the second area receiving to and mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein: the first mixture has a predetermined oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than the oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture; and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture in the second area.

Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having an anode-side and a cathode-side, said mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from the anode-side and an oxidant supply gas, said mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area receiving and mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured so as to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture; a second area coupled with the first area, the second area receiving to and mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein: the first mixture has a predetermined oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than the oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture; and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture in the second area.

Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack, the mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from an anode-side of the stack and an oxidant supply gas, the mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture, a second area coupled with the first area for mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein the first mixture has a first oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than a second oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture, and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture.

Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having an anode-side and a cathode-side, said mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from the anode-side and an oxidant supply gas, said mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area receiving and mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured so as to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture; a second area coupled with the first area, the second area receiving and mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein: the first mixture has a predetermined oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than the oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture; and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture in the second area.

Abstract: A combustion system wherein a defined uniform nonstoichiometric mixture of fuel and oxygen is made in a compartment outside a furnace zone and burned inside the furnace zone in a luminous flame while additional make up oxygen is provided into the furnace zone under conditions which avoid diminution of flame luminosity and high NO.sub.x generation.

Abstract: An ignition system and method for a post-mixed burner characterized by an igniter comprising a tube for igniter oxidant flow and having an electrode therein, said tube positioned within the fuel passage but recessed from the discharge end of the fuel passage and from the combustion zone.