Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrocarbon fuel reformer systems that improve the recovery and utilization of the water vapor and/or the heat energy within the reformer system. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes a desiccant matrix maintained in a water transfer assembly to collect, in a continuous manner, water from a process stream and transfer the water to a reactivation stream to return the water vapor to the reformer, with or without the use of a heat exchanger, and without requiring the collection and evaporation of liquid water.

Abstract: A fuel cell system extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water. A preferred embodiment is a fuel cell system, for the production of electricity from hydrogen gas and an oxidant, comprising: (a) a fuel cell comprising an anode input for a hydrogen-containing anode supply stream, a cathode input for an oxidant-containing cathode supply stream, and a cathode output for cathode effluent comprising water produced by said fuel cell; and (b) a water transfer device, connected to said fuel cell, that transfers water from said cathode effluent to said anode supply stream.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer that is supplied with water vapor extracted from the reformer's effluent stream. In particular, the present invention provides a power plant fuel processor for the production of hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel, comprising: (a) a reactor for the production of hydrogen using an oxidant, water and hydrocarbon fuel; and (b) a water transfer device that transfers water vapor from the reformate produced by said reactor to the oxidant used by said reactor, comprising a water-transfer membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having a gas-liquid separator that comprises (a) a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal flow through passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; (b) a plurality of baffles arranged in longitudinally spaced serial relation in and along the passage and each blocking a portion of the cross section of the passage; and (c) means mounting the baffles for relative movement to selectively vary the composite cross-sectional blockage defined by the baffles relative to a sensed parameter of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the relative humidity level of gas stream in a fuel cell includes a humidity sensor that senses the relative humidity of a gas stream and generates a relative humidity signal. A pressure sensor senses the pressure of the gas stream and generates a pressure signal. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the gas stream and generates a temperature signal. A compensator is connected to the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor. The compensator generates a compensated relative humidity signal based on the relative humidity signal, the temperature signal and/or the pressure signal. Additional inputs to the compensator can include one or more gas composition sensors that determine the concentration of one or more gases.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water. A preferred embodiment is a fuel cell system, for the production of electricity from hydrogen gas and an oxidant, comprising: (a) a fuel cell comprising an anode input for a hydrogen-containing anode supply stream, a cathode input for an oxidant-containing cathode supply stream, and a cathode output for cathode effluent comprising water produced by said fuel cell; and (b) a water transfer device, connected to said fuel cell, that transfers water from said cathode effluent to said anode supply stream.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a compact, low-pressure-drop, high efficiency water-separator for separating liquid water from water-laden streams of the system. A cyclonic separator includes a sump for collecting the water, a drain for removing the water from the sump and directing it to a reservoir, a shutoff valve associated with the drain for controlling flow through from the drain, and a water level switch that controls the opening/closing of the valve. The switch triggers closing of the valve before the sump is emptied to provide a water seal that prevents escape of gas through the drain.

Abstract: A water separator especially suitable for use in a vehicular fuel cell system. The separator comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal through passage extending therebetween. A central shaft extends along the passage and a plurality of modular baffles are stacked on the shaft. Each baffle includes an annular hub portion received on the shaft and a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes extending outwardly from the hub portion to block a portion of the cross-sectional area of the passage. An actuator drives one end of the shaft and alternate baffles are keyed to the shaft so that actuation of the actuator relatively rotates the modular baffles to selectively vary the cross-sectional blockage defined by the baffles.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that extracts water from the effluent of a fuel cell for supply to other components of the fuel cell system that require water.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer that is supplied with water vapor extracted from the reformer's effluent stream.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the relative humidity level of gas stream in a fuel cell includes a humidity sensor that senses the relative humidity of a gas stream and generates a relative humidity signal. A pressure sensor senses the pressure of the gas stream and generates a pressure signal. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the gas stream and generates a temperature signal. A compensator is connected to the humidity sensor, the temperature sensor and/or the pressure sensor. The compensator generates a compensated relative humidity signal based on the relative humidity signal, the temperature signal and/or the pressure signal. Additional inputs to the compensator can include one or more gas composition sensors that determine the concentration of one or more gases.

Abstract: A water separator especially suitable for use in a vehicular fuel cell system. The separator comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinal through passage extending therebetween. A central shaft extends along the passage and a plurality of modular baffles are stacked on the shaft. Each baffle includes an annular hub portion received on the shaft and a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes extending outwardly from the hub portion to block a portion of the cross-sectional area of the passage. An actuator drives one end of the shaft and alternate baffles are keyed to the shaft so that actuation of the actuator relatively rotates the modular baffles to selectively vary the cross-sectional blockage defined by the baffles.