Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.

Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for integrated electrochemical hydrogen compression systems. In one possible embodiment, an electrochemical hydrogen pumping cell is energized to generate a hydrogen output from a hydrogen source that can be pure hydrogen or a mixed gas containing hydrogen. The hydrogen output is fed to a compressor, and the compressor is energized to provide a compressed hydrogen output to a hydrogen load. In some embodiments, the compressor is configured to feed hydrogen to the cell, which in turn feeds the load. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.

Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for integrated electrochemical hydrogen separation systems. In one possible embodiment, an electrical potential is applied between a first electrode and a second electrode of an electrochemical cell. The first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Electrical current is flowed through the cell as hydrogen is ionized at the first electrode and evolved at the second electrode. i.e., “pumped” across the cell. The hydrogen outlet flow and pressure from the cell can be controlled by adjusting the potential and current provided by the power supply. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell system with a hydrogen purification subsystem. The hydrogen purification subsystem can concentrate hydrogen from the fuel exhaust for recirculation or storage. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also concentrate hydrogen from a fuel supply for input into a fuel cell or for storage. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also concentrate hydrogen for quantitative comparison with a second stream containing hydrogen. The hydrogen purification subsystem can also charge a hydrogen storage device for system use such as meeting transient fuel cell load increases.