Abstract: Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell systems containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure, such as a pressure vessel, that contains a separation assembly that receives under pressure a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and produces a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the enclosure is sealed without gaskets. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments the hydrogen-selective membrane is permanently and directly secured to the enclosure or a perimeter shell. In some embodiments, the membrane is welded, diffusion bonded or brazed directly to the enclosure or shell. In some embodiments, a portion of the membrane forms a portion of a seal and/or the sealed enclosure.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, components thereof, and fuel cell systems containing the same. In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation assembly includes a heater assembly having separate startup and primary burner assemblies that utilize different fuels. In some embodiments, the heating assembly is adapted to utilize a volume of liquid fuel to startup the hydrogen generation assembly, while in other embodiments a gaseous fuel is used. In some embodiments, the fuel used during start up includes at least 25 vol % water. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system has a rated power output in the range of 100-1000 watts. In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation assembly is a portable system.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems for hydrogen generation assemblies having a hydrogen-producing region and a heating assembly. The delivery system provides a hydrogen-production fluid to the hydrogen-producing region and provides a heating fuel to the heating assembly. The delivery system includes a pressure vessel having an interior cavity containing the heating fuel and the hydrogen-production fluid, which are disposed in the pressure vessel in a pressurizing—pressurized relationship, in which the heating fuel is discharged from the pressure vessel under it own pressure and the hydrogen-production fluid is discharged under pressure applied by the heating fuel. The feedstock delivery system may separately discharge the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel and may include a pressure transmitter disposed between the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell systems containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure, such as a pressure vessel, that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive under pressure a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the enclosure is sealed without gaskets. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments the hydrogen-selective membrane is permanently and directly secured to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the membrane is welded, diffusion bonded or brazed directly to the enclosure. In some embodiments a portion of the hydrogen-selective membrane forms a portion of the sealed enclosure, and, in some embodiments, an interface is formed from consumed portions of the hydrogen-selective membrane and the enclosure.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors, fuel processing systems, and fuel cell systems containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments, the fuel processors, fuel processing systems, and/or fuel cell systems include at least one modular, or cartridge-based component. In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification device is, and/or includes, a modular, or cartridge-based, component. In some embodiments, the hydrogen purification device includes components that are formed from materials having the same or similar coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. The hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.