Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity adsorbent for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams. The adsorbent comprises a composite material containing particles of a nickel phosphide complex NixP. The adsorbent is utilized in a sulfur removal process that does not require added hydrogen, and run at relatively low temperatures ranging from about 150° C. to about 400° C. The process of this invention enables “ultra-deep” desulfurization down to levels of about 1 ppm and less.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a hydrocarbon fuel processor for generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. The system further includes a hydrogen buffer for storing a portion of the hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. The system further includes a staged hydrogen selective membrane providing pressurized hydrogen to the buffer. This stored hydrogen may then be used during start-up of the system in a number of ways, such as feed for the fuel cell, or when the fuel processor output is temporarily less than that required by the operating demand of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The smoke index of a two-stroke engine is improved by utilizing as the engine lubricant a two-stroke engine oil that comprises a major amount of a GTL base oil.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen containing gas for use in an internal combustion engine system is provided. The method includes cyclically operating at least two pressure swing reformer reactors such that one is reforming while another is regenerating, thereby producing a continuous stream of hydrogen containing gas. During engine operation exhaust gas is fed to the pressure swing reformer reactor that is undergoing regeneration, thereby supplying at least part of the heat for regeneration. Also, the hydrogen gas produced is used in at least one of (i) the engine; (ii) an engine exhaust treatment device; and (iii) a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water, alkoxylated alkyl alcohol, alkoxylated alkyl ester and alkyl polyglycerol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated branched alkyl alcohol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. A method to prepare a water in-hydrocarbon emulsion comprises preparing a first mixture of hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion and excess hydrocarbon, preparing a second mixture of water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion and excess water, adding the said first mixture of hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion and excess hydrocarbon to said second mixture of water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion and excess water and then mixing said first and second mixtures to form the water-in-hydrocarbon emulsion. The present invention utilizes substantially less surfactant and mixing times for the formation of the emulsion, a commercially important feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing energy from fuel cells. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as temperature swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for use in proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell applications. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the temperature swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the temperature swing reforming process. The syngas produced in TSR is particularly well suited for use in proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a hydrocarbon fuel processor for generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. The system further includes a hydrogen buffer for storing a portion of the hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. This stored hydrogen may then be used during start-up of the system was number of ways such as feed for the fuel cell, or when the fuel processor output is temporarily less than that required by the operating demand of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system and a method to operate a fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes a source of a fuel and water emulsion, receiving the emulsion and a reformer for receiving the emulsion and producing hydrogen, a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell connected to the reformer and able to receive hydrogen from the reformer. The method for operating a fuel cell system including a hydrogen gas oxygen fuel cell includes producing the hydrogen gas from a fuel and water emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated alcohol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated alcohol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated alcohol surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.