Abstract: A micro component steam reformer system for producing hydrogen-enriched gas to power a fuel cell adapted for scalable power requirements. The steam reformer system uses a cycle in which, in laminar flow modules, a vaporized hydrocarbon is mixed with fuel cell off gas having a hydrogen component and combusted to heat vaporizers and a steam reformer. Vaporized hydrocarbons and water vapor are introduced as a feed stock into the steam reformer to produce a syn-gas which is cooled and purified. The resulting principally hydrogen gas may be introduced into a hydrogen fuel cell. Off gas from the fuel cell is recycled to provide hydrogen and water for use in the system cycle.

Abstract: An ignition system for initiating a fuel cell hydrogen production cycle on demand comprising a module having heat exchanger functions interconnected in an adjacent heater/vaporizer relationship in which a first heat exchanger section in the module is connected to a source of hydrogen enriched gas to provide an initial energy burst to begin the vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons for use in the hydrogen producing cycle; and in which, after system start up, the module section may be inactivated or integrated in the hydrogen producing cycle.