Abstract: A number of embodiments of reformers for reforming fuel for a fuel cell that includes an elongated catalyst bed with fuel to be reformed being delivered at one end of the bed and extracted from the other end of the bed. Heat is applied to a greater extent at the inlet end of the catalyst bed than the outlet end to prevent the formation of carbon monoxide in the products delivered from the outlet. In all embodiments, the catalyst bed has a spiral configuration and the fuel is heated before it is delivered to the catalyst bed. In some embodiments the same heat sources are employed for heating both the fuel and the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of reformers for reforming fuel for a fuel cell that includes an elongated catalyst bed with fuel to be reformed being delivered at one end of the bed and extracted from the other end of the bed. Heat is applied to a greater extent at the inlet end of the catalyst bed than the outlet end to prevent the formation of carbon monoxide in the products delivered from the outlet. In all embodiments, the catalyst bed has a spiral configuration and the fuel is heated before it is delivered to the catalyst bed. In some embodiments the same heat sources are employed for heating both the fuel and the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of fuel cell powered wheeled vehicles wherein the fuel cell assembly is positioned contiguous to the center of gravity of the vehicle and inwardly from the wheels for protection and to make a compact assembly. Various vehicle arrangements are shown and in all of them the fuel cell assembly including the fuel cell and a reformer are supported resiliently on the body beneath the seats thereof.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of fuel cells including a storage battery which can intermittently supply electrical power to a load. In such embodiment, water vapor generated from the operation of the fuel cell is condensed, purified and returned to the storage battery to replace the water consumed from the electrolyte from the battery operation. The water vapor is reclaimed by a series of condensers and is returned to a purifier. In some embodiments the reclaimed water vapor is delivered to the battery by an intermittently operated pump while in other embodiments the water vapor is returned by a continuously operated pump through some form of overflow device to ensure against dilution of the electrolyte in the battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement including an arrangement for improving start up by heating the fuel cell through supplying selectively heated exhaust gases from the reformer to the air port of the fuel cell.

Abstract: An improved system for shutting down a fuel cell that cools the reformer catalyst bed by continuing to supply unreformed fuel to the catalyst bed after the supply of heat to the evaporator is discontinued for cooling the catalyst bed more rapidly through an endothermic reaction.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement including an arrangement for improving start up by heating the fuel cell through supplying selectively heated exhaust gases from the reformer to the air port of the fuel cell.