Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the water balance in the power unit by providing the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell as a feed gas to the combustion system of the steam reforming system, condensing at least a portion of water present in the effluent from the combustion system in a condenser, and then transferring water vapor from the uncondensed portion of the effluent from the condenser to the gas fed to the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell. Water from the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell is either captured in the condenser, or is reused in the feed gas of the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell. By humidifying the air fed into system with the water vapor present in the exhaust gas, water is not lost from the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the water balance in a power unit by providing the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell as a feed gas to the combustion system condensing at least a portion of water present in the effluent from the combustion system in a condenser, and then transferring water vapor from the uncondensed portion of the effluent from the condenser to the gas fed to the cathode side of the fuel cell. Water from the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell is either captured in the condenser, or is reused in the feed gas of the cathode side of the fuel cell. By humidifying the air fed into system with the water vapor present in the exhaust gas, water is not lost from the system. Instead, the air is being fed into the system is humidified with this water, which in turn allows the humidifier to operated at higher temperatures and/or use smaller radiators and fans and/or draw less parasitic power, thereby increasing overall system efficiency.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for supplying thermally conditioned or purified water for human or animal consumption, industrial processes, environmental containment, or removal of foreign species. The water purifier includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outgoing thermally conditioned or purified water and incoming makeup water; a water heater is connected to the heat exchanger so as to receive pre-heated incoming makeup water, where the water heater subsequently heats the incoming preheated makeup water to a set-point temperature in the case of thermally conditioned water and for purified water also holds the water for a period of time sufficient to inactivate selected organisms to a predetermined level. The heat exchanger has one or more treated water outlets for supplying thermally conditioned or purified water at selected temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a liquid, such as cooking oil for a fryer. A heat transfer fluid, such as an oil, is heated, such as by a gas-fired burner, at a location remote from the liquid to be heated, and passed by the liquid in a heat exchange relationship, so as to more accurately control the transfer of heat into the liquid to be heated. The invention also includes an advantageous combination pivot and valve mechanism for controlling the flow of heat transfer liquid through the liquid to be heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a liquid, such as cooking oil for a fryer. A heat transfer fluid, such as an oil, is heated, such as by a gas-fired burner, at a location remote from the liquid to be heated, and passed by the liquid in a heat exchange relationship, so as to more accurately control the transfer of heat into the liquid to be heated. The invention also includes an advantageous combination pivot and valve mechanism for controlling the flow of heat transfer liquid through the liquid to be heated.