Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell component and at least one manifold positioned adjacent to the fuel cell component; and a cable disposed around the fuel cell stack assembly for securing the manifold to the fuel cell component, the cable having an adjustable securing member for adjusting tightness of the cable around the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly includes a fuel cell component and at least one manifold positioned adjacent to the fuel cell component; and a cable disposed around the fuel cell stack assembly for securing the manifold to the fuel cell component, the cable having an adjustable securing member for adjusting tightness of the cable around the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: An integrated manifold system for a fuel cell power plant includes a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack, wherein a common manifold is adapted to be in fluid communication with the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack. The common manifold includes a first plenum for diverting a first reactant to each of the first and second fuel cell stacks, and a second plenum for accepting the first reactant as the first reactant is exhausted from each of the first and second fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A stack (200) of fuel cells (202) sealed together with a formed elastomer seal (206) is disclosed. Each of the individual cell components are bonded to one another with thermoplastic film (204). As a result, only one formed elastomer seal (206) is required for each fuel cell (202) within a stack (200) to provide a modular fuel cell stack assembly (200).

Abstract: A compact and efficient fuel reformer which is operable to produce a hydrogen-enriched process fuel from a raw fuel such as natural gas, or the like includes a compact array of catalyst tubes which are contained in a heat-insulated housing. The catalyst tube array preferably includes a multitude of catalyst tubes that are arranged in a hexagonal array. The housing includes internal hexagonal thermal insulation so as to ensure even heating of the catalyst tubes. The diameter of the tubes is sized so that spacing between adjacent tubes in the array can be minimized for efficient heat transfer. The interior of each of the catalyst tubes includes a hollow dead-ended central tube which serves as a fines trap for collecting catalyst fines that may become entrained in the fuel stream. The catalyst tubes are also provided with an upper frusto-conical portion which serves to extend the catalyst bed and provide a catalyst reserve.

Abstract: A stack (200) of fuel cells (202) sealed together with a formed elastomer seal (206) is disclosed. Each of the individual cell components are bonded to one another with thermoplastic film (204). As a result, only one formed elastomer seal (206) is required for each fuel cell (202) within a stack (200) to provide a modular fuel cell stack assembly (200).

Abstract: A fuel cell system, generally, has a fuel processing apparatus for steam reforming a hydrocarbon fuel and steam into a product gas, and a fuel cell stack for converting the product gas into electricity. The fuel processing apparatus is a catalytic reaction apparatus having a furnace and a catalytic reactor. In an effort to increase the efficiency of the catalytic reaction apparatus and decrease the size and/or number of catalytic reactors, the present invention relates to a furnace that utilizes air and fuel pre-heat chambers to increase the flame temperature within the furnace.

Abstract: Sulfur and sulfur compounds are removed from a gas stream, such as a hydrocarbon fuel gas stream so as to render the gas stream suitable for use in a fuel cell power plant. Natural gas and recycled hydrogen enters the hydrodesulfurizer assembly at a temperature of about 120.degree. F. The gas stream is heated to a temperature of about 625.degree. F. whereupon it enters a desulfurizing bed formed from a mixture of platinum catalyst deposited on alumina pellets, and a pelletized zinc oxide hydrogen sulfide absorbent. The gas is cooled to an exit temperature of about 525.degree.F. as it passes through the desulfurizer bed. The desulfurizer bed is combined with a shift converter which reduces carbon monoxide in the desulfurized gas stream after the latter has passed through a steam reformer bed.

Abstract: A steam reformer for converting a reactor fuel into a product gas includes a segmented catalyst bed. The steam reformer side walls have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is greater than the thermal coefficient of expansion of the catalyst. By forming low volume catalyst bed segments in the hotter portions of the catalyst bed, slumping and subsequent damage of the catalyst pellets is minimized. The catalyst bed is divided into segments whose volumes are inversely proportional to the temperatures of the various zones in the reformer. The segments are formed by utilizing sequential catalyst support assemblies which include perforated catalyst support members that are differentially spaced apart from each other by support assembly legs having varying lengths. Catalyst support assemblies with shorter length legs are used in the hotter zones of the reformer, and support assemblies with progressively longer length legs are used in the cooler zones of the reformer.

Abstract: A fuel cell has a current collector plate (22) located between an electrode (20) and a separate plate (25). The collector plate has a plurality of arches (26, 28) deformed from a single flat plate in a checkerboard pattern. The arches are of sufficient height (30) to provide sufficient reactant flow area. Each arch is formed with sufficient stiffness to accept compressive load and sufficient resiliently to distribute the load and maintain electrical contact.

Abstract: A stepped support and seal plate (44) is sealed to firing tube (18) with an axially compressed seal (62). It carries sleeves (24) and is sealed thereto by gasket seals (55). A diagonal movement seal (69) seals plate (44) to the wall of pressure vessel (10). Bellows (76) has a straight portion (77) at the hot end. Insulation (14) is tapered to provide variations in heat transfer from the bellows to provide a uniform strain pattern in the bellows.