Abstract: A pump assembly including a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The first subassembly includes a fluid conduit; an inlet fluidly coupled to the liquid reactant dispenser and the fluid conduit; an outlet fluidly coupled to a reaction chamber and the fluid conduit; and a diaphragm, defining a portion of the fluid conduit, that flexes to pump the liquid reactant from the inlet to the outlet. The diaphragm preferably includes an actuation point coupled to the diaphragm, wherein the liquid reactant is substantially contained within the first subassembly during pumping. The second subassembly is couplable to the first subassembly, and is fluidly isolated from the liquid reactant. The second subassembly includes an actuator that couples to the actuation point, wherein operation of the actuator causes pumping action.

Abstract: Absorbent material in a regenerable volatile organic compound (VOC) apparatus (15) is regenerated by a flow (92) of desorption gas heated (90) by exhaust (87) of a burner (58) of a reformer (57), which reforms hydrocarbon fuel (55) to generate hydrogen-rich reformate gas that is provided (46, 48, 61) to anodes of a fuel cell (64), steam (83) from fuel cell coolant (73, 79) being provided (62, 56) to said reformer. The fuel may be desulfurized (53) using the reformate gas (44, 45). The reformate may be enriched by a shift reactor (48).

Abstract: An electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: forming an anode comprising a layered electrocatalyst, the layered electrocatalyst comprising at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support; providing a cathode comprising a conductor; disposing a basic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; disposing a fuel within the basic electrolyte; and applying a current to the anode causing the oxidation of the fuel, forming hydrogen at the cathode.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen generator capable of suppressing degradation in capability of a hydrogen generator which is caused by crush of particulate reforming catalyst and of suppressing decrease in reforming efficiency due to decrease in heat transfer efficiency of a catalyzing portion which is caused by the crush of the particulate reforming catalyst. A hydrogen generator comprises a catalyzing portion 50 having particulate reforming catalyst P, and a combusting portion 5 for heating the catalyzing portion 50, the hydrogen generator being configured to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen while flowing a material gas containing steam in a direction in which the catalyzing portion 50 extends. The catalyzing portion 50 includes a separating member 40. The separating member 40 is disposed on a separating cross-section which is a cross-section of the catalyzing portion 50 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the catalyzing portion 50 extends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a continuous flow of hydrogen by catalyzed hydrolysis of a complex hydride, which comprises at least adding continuously and at constant rate a fuel solution to a reactor comprising a complex hydride stabilized on a hydroxide on a cobalt boride catalyst that is added in excess inside said reactor. Sodium borohydride is preferably used, the hydroxide is sodium hydroxide and the catalyst is supported on nickel foam. Parameters and optimal conditions to achieve continuous production of hydrogen have been determined, which is essential in the operation of fuel cells. A facility comprising a semi continuous reactor designed to perform the above process, which needs no refrigeration is also an object of the present invention, as well as a washing and reactivation process of a catalyst of the type used in the process mentioned above.

Abstract: A fuel processing method for a solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising the steps of: (a) supplying a feed stream comprising ethanol to a methanation reactor containing catalytic material for the methanation of ethanol; (b) processing the feed stream in the methanation reactor under adiabatic conditions to produce an effluent fuel comprising methane; (c) transferring the effluent fuel comprising methane to the anode of a solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising at least one solid oxide fuel cell; (d) providing the cathode of the solid oxide fuel cell stack with an oxygen-containing gas; and (e) converting the fuel comprising methane and the oxygen-containing gas to electricity in the solid oxide fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A power generator comprising a hydrogen generator and a fuel cell stack having an anode exposed to hydrogen from the hydrogen generator and a cathode exposed to an ambient environment. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers are used to promote flow of water away from the cathode. A diffusion path thus separates the fuel cell cathode from the hydrogen generator. In one embodiment, water vapor generated from the fuel cell substantially matches water used by the hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction between a raw material and water; a heater configured to combust at least a part of the hydrogen-containing gas to supply heat necessary for the reforming reaction to the reformer; a combustion detector configured to detect a combustion state of the heater; a raw material supplier configured to supply the raw material; a water supplier configured to supply the water; and an operation controller. When stopping the hydrogen generator, the operation controller causes the raw material supplier to stop operating, the water supplier to stop operating in a case where the combustion detector detects extinction of flame, and the raw material supplier to start operating to supply the raw material to the hydrogen generator in a case where the reforming temperature detector detects a temperature equal to or lower than a reference temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.

Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid pump and connector assembly is particularly suited for use in connecting a fuel cartridge to a fuel cell system. The assembly has a first sub-assembly comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flexible diaphragm in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, and a first connector. The assembly also has a second sub-assembly comprising a second connector adapted to connect to the first connector, an actuator and a reciprocating member coupled to the actuator and contacting the diaphragm when the first and second sub-assemblies are connected, wherein a reciprocating motion of the actuator and member causes the diaphragm to reciprocate and pump fluid from the inlet to the outlet without exposing the fluid to the second sub-assembly.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells (100, 500, 600) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, such as batteries (102), flow cells (502) and fuel cells (602) with a cylindrical rotating ion-permeable filter (120, 414, 520, 620) that generates Taylor Vortex Flows (144, 146, 404, 544, 546, 664, 666) and Circular Couette Flows (148, 150, 568, 570, 668, 670) in thixotropic catholytes and anolytes between a cylindrical current collector (106, 506, 606, 108, 508, 608) and the filter (120, 414, 520, 620) are disclosed.

Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: Process for the direct amination of hydrocarbons to aminohydrocarbons, which comprises the steps: a) reaction of a feed stream E comprising at least one hydrocarbon and at least one aminating reagent to form a reaction mixture R comprising aminohydrocarbons and hydrogen and b) electrochemical separation of at least part of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the reaction mixture R by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly having at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen is oxidized to protons over the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons are, after passing through the membrane, b1) reduced to hydrogen and/or b2) reacted with oxygen from an oxygen-comprising stream O which is brought into contact with the permeate side of the membrane to form water over the cathode catalyst on the permeate side.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and a method for operating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fuel cell system includes a fuel supplier, a reformer for reforming a fuel supplied from the fuel supplier into hydrogen gas by a reforming reaction, and a fuel cell stack for generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen gas and an oxidizing agent. When the fuel cell system is to be stopped, the reforming reaction of the reformer and the electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell are stopped and a portion of unreformed fuel is fed to the reformer and the fuel cell stack. Residual hydrogen is reacted and residual power from the fuel cell stack is dissipated by a power dissipation circuit. By largely removing hydrogen from the fuel cell stack on a stopped condition, reactions that are detrimental to the fuel cell membrane are reduced.

Abstract: Process for the direct amination of hydrocarbons to aminohydrocarbons by reaction of a feed stream E comprising at least one hydrocarbon and at least one aminating reagent to form a reaction mixture R comprising aminohydrocarbon and hydrogen in a reaction zone RZ and electrochemical separation of at least part of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the reaction mixture R by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly having at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen is oxidized to protons at the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons pass through the membrane and on the permeate side are reacted with oxygen to form water, where the oxygen originates from an oxygen-comprising stream O which is brought into contact with the permeate side of the membrane, over the cathode catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials and methods of reversibly storing and generating hydrogen using sonication and hydrocarbon nanostructures are described.

Abstract: A power generator includes a chemical hydride multilayer fuel cell stack. A flow path extends through the fuel cell stack to provide oxygen containing air to the fuel cell stack and to cool the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen generator is coupled to the flow path to receive water vapor from ambient air introduced into the flow path and water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack and to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. A controller separately controls airflow past the fuel cell stack and water vapor provided to the hydrogen generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for maintaining hydrogen-selective membranes during periods of inactivity. These systems and methods may include heating and maintaining at least the hydrogen-selective membrane of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing system in a thermally buffered state and/or controlling the chemical composition of the gas streams that may come into contact with the hydrogen-selective membrane. Controlling the chemical composition of the gas streams that may come into contact with the hydrogen-selective membrane may include maintaining a positive pressure of an inert, blanket, reducing, and/or non-oxidizing gas within the membrane separation assembly and/or periodically supplying a reducing gas stream to the membrane separation assembly.

Abstract: A method for controlling a peripheral system (or a plurality of peripheral devices) and a fuel cell system using the same. The method includes: allocating an operation priority to the peripheral devices; storing information of the operation priority; and sequentially operating the peripheral devices by using electric energy stored in a small capacity electricity storage device according to the operation priority. The fuel cell system includes: the plurality of peripheral devices; an electricity storage device electrically connected with the peripheral devices; and a controller for sequentially operating the peripheral devices by using electric energy stored in the electricity storage device according to an operation priority.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of controlling a mobile, integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system that utilizes an innovative combination of feedback and feed forward control loops maintain the reformer temperature and hydrogen permeate pressure in the system with the operating parameters of the fuel reformer being adjusted to achieve rapid and more reliable load following when transient conditions occur.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that includes a control system for regulating the power produced by the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack adapted to produce electrical power from a feed. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a fuel processing assembly adapted to produce the feed for the fuel cell stack from one or more feedstocks. The control system regulates the power produced by the fuel cell system to prevent damage to, and/or failure of, the system.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided comprising: a reformer for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel; and at least one electricity generator for generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The reformer includes a main body in which a plurality of reaction sections for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel is integrally formed. A heating section is disposed in contact with the main body in order to supply different amounts of thermal energy to the plurality of reaction sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel and includes a low pressure drop burner. The low pressure drop burner permits the use of a low pressure air supply such as a fan to move products and reactants through the burner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation device including a tank, a porous structure, and a guide structure is provided. The tank is used to contain a reaction solution. A solid reactant is distributed in the porous structure. The guide structure is connected with the tank and used to guide the reaction solution in the tank to the porous structure, such that the reaction solution and the solid reactant react to generate hydrogen. A hydrogen generation method is also discussed.

Abstract: A coolant subsystem for use in a fuel processor and a method for its operation are disclosed. In accordance with a first aspect, the coolant subsystem is separate from the feed to the processor reactor and is capable of circulating a coolant through the processor reactor. In accordance with a second aspect, the constituent elements of the fuel processor are housed in a cabinet, and the coolant subsystem is capable of cooling both the processor reactor and the interior of the cabinet. In various alternatives, the fuel processor can be employed to reform a fuel for a fuel cell power plant and/or may be used to provide thermal control for unrelated mechanical systems.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus for effectively generating hydrogen from ammonia and relates to the hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen from ammonia. The apparatus comprises an ammonia oxidation part having ammonia oxidation catalysts which oxidizes ammonia, and an ammonia decomposition part having an ammonia decomposition catalyst which decomposes ammonia to generate nitrogen and hydrogen. The decomposition part is located downstream of the oxidation part in a direction of feed gas flow.

Abstract: A waterless power generator, particularly a waterless electrical power generator and a passively controlled process for producing electricity with a fuel cell using stoichiometric amounts of a solid hydrogen fuel and byproduct water vapor produced by the fuel cell to generate hydrogen gas. A fuel cell reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical energy as well as by-product water which diffuses back into the power generator as water vapor to react with the hydrogen fuel, producing more hydrogen gas. This generated hydrogen gas is then used as a fuel which allows the fuel cell to generate additional electrical power and additional water. The process runs without any attached water source or water supply other than the water which is produced by the fuel cells themselves.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a first electrode-electrolyte assembly having a first electrode coupled to one side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode coupled to an opposite side of the first electrode-electrolyte assembly and a second electrode-electrolyte assembly having a third electrode coupled to one side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly and a fourth electrode coupled to an opposite side of the second electrode-electrolyte assembly. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the first electrode and a second conduit is in fluid communication with the fourth electrode and an electrically conductive mesh positioned between the second electrode and the third electrode. Portions of the second and third electrodes engage each other through apertures defined by the mesh. The fuel cell system also includes an electricity source connected to the first and second electrodes; and an electrical circuit connected to the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell (1) configured to generate electric power using a hydrogen-containing fuel gas; a combustible gas path (4, 17, 1a) including a fuel gas channel (1a) of the fuel cell; 0 a shutoff valve (21) disposed on the combustible gas path, located upstream of the fuel cell, to close when the fuel cell stops generating the electric power; a casing (11) containing the fuel cell, the combustible gas path, and the shutoff valve; a ventilation fan (12) configured to ventilate the casing; a stop unit (51, 52) configured to stop a ventilation operation of the ventilation fan by a manual operation of an operator; and a controller (10) configured to, when leakage of a combustible gas occurs in the casing, execute the ventilation operation of the ventilation fan as long as the ventilation operation is not stopped by the stop unit.

Abstract: Novel mixed alkali metal borohydrides are disclosed which can be used as hydrogen storage materials. Processes for producing the mixed alkali metal borohydrides and their use in hydrogen storage devices are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining dinitrogen monoxide by stepwise reduction of nitrates and/or nitrites from substances containing nitrate and/or nitrite, the reduction reaction being interrupted or limited after the step in which the dinitrogen monoxide is formed and the dinitrogen monoxide produced in the reduction reaction being separated, captured and/or collected.

Abstract: A power generator comprises a hydrogen producing fuel, multiple fuel cells arranged in a ring, and a rotatable ring valve. Each fuel cell has a proton exchange membrane and an opening separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. The rotatable ring valve has multiple openings corresponding to the openings of the fuels cells such that ambient water is controllably prevented from entering the fuel cell by rotation of the ring valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic system that can implement effective practical use of energy is provided. A hydraulic system according to the present invention has a hydraulic pump driven by a hydraulic pump motor, a loading cylinder and a power steering cylinder which are driven by pressure oil supplied from the hydraulic pump, and power supply means for supplying power to the hydraulic pump motor. The power supply means comprises a stack of a fuel cell, a fuel supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas to the stack, fuel circulating passages in which a hydrogen pump for joining unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the stack into the fuel supply passage to circulate hydrogen gas is disposed, and a regenerator which is driven by pressure oil to generate rotational force. The hydrogen pump is rotationally driven by the regenerator.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fuel reforming system and a fuel cell system having the same, which comprises a reformer to generate a reformed gas mainly containing hydrogen from a hydrogen containing fuel; and a CO remover to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas, wherein a ratio of an opening area of an inlet to an opening area of an outlet ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:3. Thus, the opening area of the inlet for the reforming fuel is larger than that of the outlet for the reformed gas, so that the reformed gas is smoothly discharged from the reformer without stagnating in the channel, thereby enhancing the reforming efficiency of the reformer.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing and separating hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon and steam. A hydrocarbon and steam are steam reformed and the reformed gas is shift reacted to produce a shift gas in the system. Hydrogen is removed from the shift gas, and the hydrogen-depleted gas is reformed and shift reacted again to produce more hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the system. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide are then separated.

Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a fuel containing substance and a heater in thermal communication with the fuel containing substance.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a hydrogen storage tank, the fuel cell including: a hydrogen generator generating hydrogen by a chemical reaction between an alkaline solution with an alkaline catalyst for hydrogen generation, dissolved in water, and a metallic powder for hydrogen generation; hydrogen storage having a hydrogen occlusion metal to which the hydrogen generated from the hydrogen generator is occluded, to store hydrogen; and power generator receiving hydrogen released from the hydrogen occlusion metal by heat provided to the hydrogen occlusion metal and generating electricity. The hydrogen generator, hydrogen storage tank, and power generator are stacked on one another and are integrally assembled by a plurality of clips, each of which has lower and upper ends fastened to a lower groove formed on a lower surface of the hydrogen generator and to an upper groove formed on an upper surface of the power generator, respectively, exerting strength for integral fixing.

Abstract: A stable and high reliability fuel cell electricity-generating device capable of generating electricity even in the case of sudden drop of load power. A fuel cell generating electric power from a fuel and an oxidizer, a fuel processor producing fuel to be supplied into the fuel cell from an electricity-generating material, a combustion device combusting a residual fuel gas unconsumed in the fuel cell to raise the temperature of the fuel processor, and an electric power generation instructing means of determining the electric power generated by the fuel cell, wherein when the electric power generation instructing means decreases the electric power generated by the fuel cell depending on the decrease of load power to be supplied, the rate at which the generated electric power is decreased is made different depending on the change of the temperature of the fuel processor.

Abstract: A device using needed hydrogen gas flow and electricity for operation obtained from a fuel cell power supply. Also, water generated by the fuel cell may be recycled for hydrogen generation which may be used by the device and in turn expanded by the fuel cell for further electrical power generation. The device may be a gas chromatograph, a fluid calibration mechanism, a flame ionization detector, or the like.

Abstract: A catalyst for a reformer of a fuel cell system, a reformer for a fuel cell system including the catalyst, and a fuel cell system including the reformer are provided. The reformer includes a first reacting region that generates heat energy through oxidation of fuel and includes an oxidation catalyst having a Pd catalyst supported by an Al2O3 carrier and a Pt catalyst supported by an Al2O3 carrier, and a second reacting region that generates hydrogen gas from the fuel through a reforming reaction by the heat energy. The reformer includes at least two pipes each having an independent internal space and letting the fuel containing hydrogen pass therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and releasing hydrogen is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reactor, a heater having a first portion that is located in the reactor; a dehydrogenation catalyst that is affixed to the first portion of the heater; a hydrogen release conduit in communication with the reactor; a chamber containing a hydrogenated carrier; and an energy source coupled to the heater.

Abstract: A power generator has a hydrogen source, such as a hydrogen producing fuel and a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane separating the hydrogen producing fuel from ambient. A valve is disposed between the fuel cell and ambient such that water is controllably prevented from entering or leaving the fuel cell by actuation of the valve. In one embodiment, multiple fuel cells are arranged in a circle around the fuel, and the valve is a rotatable ring shaped gate valve having multiple openings corresponding to the fuel cells.

Abstract: Thermally primed fuel processing assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems that include the same. The thermally primed fuel processing assemblies include at least one hydrogen-producing region housed within an internal compartment of a heated containment structure. In some embodiments, the heated containment structure is an oven. In some embodiments, the compartment also contains a purification region and/or heating assembly. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to heat and maintain the internal compartment at or above a threshold temperature, which may correspond to a suitable hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to maintain this temperature during periods in which the fuel cell system is not producing power and/or not producing power to satisfy an applied load to the system. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is adapted to provide backup power to a power source, which may be adapted to power the containment structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, including a bicontinuous micro-emulsion, wherein catalytic parts are generated in-situ in a fluid, which can act as a cathode as well as an anode. The electrode compartment comprises a connection to supply fuel or an oxidator, for example oxygen, to the compartment. The electrode compartment is part of a refreshing system with a reserve container for an emulsion and a storage container for used emulsion, conduits to connect each of the containers with the electrode compartment and a transport unit, for example a pump, to move the emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell having a fuel reformer which can efficiently recover the exhaust heat from fuel cell stacks and can realize high conversion. In a fuel cell (1), a large number of power generating cells (7) are laminated to constitute a fuel cell stack (3). At least four fuel cell stacks (3) are squarely-arranged in a plane direction in a housing (2). A fuel reformer (30) filled with a reforming catalyst (33) is arranged in a cross shape in between the mutually facing sides of the fuel cell stacks (3).

Abstract: A heater for heating a reformer of a fuel cell system includes a combustion chamber having a combustion catalyst layer; a distributor having an inner space and uniformly distributing a combustion fuel and an oxidant flowing along the inner space to the combustion catalyst layer of the combustion chamber; and an igniter igniting the combustion fuel and the oxidant, wherein the igniter is placed in the inner space of the distributor. Thus, the igniter is protected from combustion heat of the combustion catalyst layer and thus has improved durability.