Abstract: Regenerative fuel cell electric power plants and operating methods therefor are provided. An embodiment of the present power plant comprises a regenerative fuel cell stack, supply systems for supplying an oxidant gas to the oxidant inlet and a fuel gas to the fuel inlet, respectively, of the stack when operating in power generation mode, a power supply system for connecting a power source to the stack for operation in electrolysis mode, a system for supplying a humidified carrier gas to the stack when operating in electrolysis mode; and, a storage system for storing hydrogen generated during electrolysis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric power plant comprises an array of fuel cell systems, the fuel cell systems each comprising a regenerative fuel cell stack, an oxidant supply system for supplying an oxidant gas to the stacks, a fuel supply system for supplying a fuel gas to the stacks, a system for supplying a humidified carrier gas to the stacks, a DC current supply system for connecting a power source across the stacks, and a storage system for storing hydrogen received from the stacks. In power generation mode, the fuel cells of the present power plant generate electricity for supply to one or more electrical loads. In electrolysis mode, the stacks generate hydrogen from a humidified carrier gas stream.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for improved operation of a catalytic reactor, a preferred reactor comprises a vessel having concentric first and second annular catalyst beds. Heat transfer fluid flows through expandable heat transfer U-tubes passing through the catalyst beds, either concurrently or countercurrently with respect to the flow of process gas through the catalyst beds. This arrangement delivers improved heat transfer between the process and heat transfer fluids and allows the heat transfer U-tubes to expand longitudinally to withstand the pressure differential between the process gas and heat transfer fluids.