Abstract: An integrated electrochemical fuel cell power plant, including a fuel processing subsystem is suitable for use in a submarine. Selection and control of operating temperatures and pressures in the various subsystems and components of the fuel cell power plant are important aspects of submarine power plant design. A catalytic burner is used to heat a heat transfer fluid, which in turn is used to heat a vaporizer and reformer in the fuel processing subsystem. A hydrogen separator is used to obtain a substantially pure hydrogen fuel stream from the reformate stream, which is directed to and recirculated through the fuel cell stack in a closed-loop. The fuel processor is operated at high pressure which facilitates the discharge of waste exhaust streams overboard, and the fuel cell is operated at a substantially lower pressure.

Abstract: A radial flow fuel processor comprises a heat transfer assembly and a reactor housing encasing the heat transfer assembly. The heat transfer assembly includes a plate having a plurality of heat transfer structures extending therefrom and at least one fluid passageway extending within the heat transfer plate for containing a heat transfer fluid stream. The reactor housing comprises a an inlet and an outlet. A reactant stream introduced at the inlet flows radially outwardly through the processing chamber to the volume between the housing and the heat transfer assembly, and is then exhausted through the outlet. In reverse mode, a reactant stream introduced at the outlet flows radially inwardly through volume between the housing and the heat transfer assembly to the processing chamber, and is then exhausted through the inlet.