Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a plurality of power generation cells. Each of the power generation cells includes an electrolyte electrode assembly for performing power generation by utilizing a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas. The plurality of power generation cells are stacked together in a circle, and a tightening load is applied to the plurality of power generation cells in a circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of power generation cells has a V-shape, and a peak of the V-shape is oriented to the center of the fuel cell module.

Abstract: Processes for catalytic reforming in which a cracking inhibitor, such as an olefin, or a light olefin, is used to inhibit thermal cracking of larger hydrocarbons in non-reactive zones. The cracking inhibitor may be added at various positions through the processes, such as in the recycle gas stream, before a heater, before a stream is passed into a reforming zone, after an effluent stream is recovered from a reforming zone. A molar ratio of cracking inhibitor to hydrocarbons in stream may be between 0.01 and 0.2.

Abstract: Salt rich undrinkable water can be freshened by, and by adjustment of various factors can indeed be freshened to the point of being drinkable by, introducing galvanic couple particles in the salt rich undrinkable water within inside a main processor, controlling pressure inside the main processor to build substantial internal pressurization due to the reaction of the salt rich undrinkable water with the galvanic couple particles into a metallic compound while releasing hydrogen and while releasing heat of reaction, and, collecting a water stream from the main processor through reverse osmosis media that is pressurized due to the internal pressurization inside the main processor. Whereby the water stream that is collected past the reverse osmosis media is fresher than the inputted salt rich undrinkable water.

Abstract: Various embodiments include two-stroke stratified engines and dual passage carburetors for use with gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, methane, liquid petroleum gas, pure propane, and butane. A stratified air-head engine and low pressure fuel injected engines with fuel only tube is included.

Abstract: A method for controlling the peak temperature of a fluid gasification zone used for the gasification of carbonaceous materials to a syngas. Pulsed oxygen is used to control the peak temperature of the gasification zone and to avoid hot spots in the gasifier.

Abstract: A power generating system for operating below a surface of a body of water includes a fuel cell stack configured to react hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. An oxygen source is configured to provide oxygen to the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen source is configured to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. The hydrogen source is at least partially submerged in water and incorporates a non-hydride metal alloy that reacts with water to produce hydrogen from the water.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: The invention has its object to arbitrarily adjust an amount of particles to be circulated without changing a flow rate of a gasification agent to thereby enhance gasification efficiency in a fluidized bed gasification furnace. The fluidized bed gasification furnace 107 comprises first and second chambers 113 and 114 in communication with each other in a fluidized bed 105. The hot particles 102 separated in the separator 104 and raw material M are introduced into the first chamber 113. The particles 102 introduced from the first chamber 113 through interior in the fluidized bed 105 to the second chamber 114 are supplied in an overflow manner to the fluidized bed combustion furnace 100.

Abstract: A device for extracting fuels from biomass while adding electrical energy, comprising the a gasifier for gasifying the biomass while adding electrical energy to a gas mixture, a reformer for reforming the gas mixture obtained from the gasification, a gas scrubber for scrubbing the reformed gas mixture, the device further comprising a heating system upstream of and/or in the region of the reformer for additionally heating the gas mixture obtained from the gasification and a first recirculation device so that the reformed or scrubbed gas mixture can optionally be recirculated to the gasifier or supplied to at least one correspondingly downstream component of the device, the first recirculation device providing a recirculation loop for the reformed or scrubbed gas mixture and the recirculation loop comprising at least the gasifier and the reformer.

Abstract: An evaporator (e.g., a small-sized high-efficiency evaporator) and a fuel reformer having the same. The evaporator has multi-stage structure (e.g., a four-stage disk structure), in which the respective disks are filled with fin structures. The first two disks through which exhaust gas passes and the second two disks through which water passes are stacked alternately with each other. Also, the first two disks are coupled with each other by a first pipe penetrating through one of the second two disks, and the second two disks are coupled with each other by a second pipe penetrating through one of the first two disks.

Abstract: An improved multiple-tube catalytic reformer comprising a tubular body containing a radiator core having a plurality of longitudinal cells for low-pressure flow-through of combustion gases, the core being formed preferably either by winding of corrugated metal or as an extruded metal monolith. A plurality of reformer tubes, preferably non-cylindrical, containing hydrocarbon catalyst are arrayed in longitudinal openings within the radiator core and preferably are brazed thereto to maximize heat transfer from the radiator core to the reformer tubes. During manufacture, the metal radiator core is economically bored by laser cutting to form the openings to admit the reformer tubes for brazing. Preferably, the reformer tubes are numbered, sized, shaped, and arrayed to minimize the longest conduction path in the radiator core to the center of any reformer tube.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a fuel reformer housing container and a fuel reforming apparatus, which are capable of maintaining a level of vacuum inside the fuel reformer housing container favorably and which have less power generation loss. A fuel reformer housing container (11) includes a base (1) having a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer (9) in which reformed gas containing hydrogen gas is generated from fuel, a discharge pipe (5b) for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to discharge the reformed gas from the fuel reformer, a supply pipe (5a) for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to supply the fuel to the fuel reformer (9), and a gas adsorbent (10) housed in the concave portion, for adsorbing gas in the concave portion.

Abstract: A linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock, operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels, has a linear burner distributor with at least two fuel distribution apertures for distribution of fuel, a supply of air, where the fuel and air mix in a linear mixing cavity to form a catalytically combustible mixture, a catalytic burner element, an electric heater in heat transferring relation to at least one of the burner distributor and the catalytic burner element, a catalyst bed, a boiler for boiling and heating the feedstock, and an exhaust heat exchanger effective for pre-heating the supply of air to the burner.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oxidative autothermal reformer (1) comprising a reforming layer (2) at least partially filled with a reforming catalyst for producing a reformed gas composed mainly of hydrogen through a reforming reaction by contacting a mixture of a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol and steam with the reforming catalyst; and an oxidative exothermic layer (3) at least partially filled with an oxidation catalyst for generating heat by oxidizing a part of the reformed gas, in which the reforming layer (2) is disposed at an upstream side of the oxidative exothermic layer (3); the reforming layer (2) and the oxidative exothermic layer (3) are in the form of a cylinder and have a triple circular tube structure formed by disposing an inner reforming layer (2A), an oxidative exothermic layer (3) and an outer reforming layer (2B) from the inside in a radical direction in this order; and at least a part of the reforming catalyst filled in the inner reforming layer (2A) and the outer reforming layer (2B)

Abstract: A method for treating drain in hydrogen production includes steps of gasifying in a gasifier (1), reforming in a reformer (2), gas-liquid separation in a gas-liquid separator (4), PSA gas separation in a PSA separator (5) and evaporation in a drain treatment unit (6). In the gasifying, a mixed material containing methanol is heated and gasified. In the reforming, reformed gas containing hydrogen is produced from the mixed material by reforming reaction of methanol. In the gas-liquid separation, a liquid component is separated from the reformed gas and discharged as drain. In the PSA gas separation, hydrogen-rich gas and offgas are extracted from the reformed gas by PSA separation using an adsorption tower. In the gasifying, the offgas is burned, and the mixed material is heated by using the combustion gas as heat source. In the evaporation, drain is evaporated using the combustion gas after heating the mixed material as heat source.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing fuel comprises a chemical hydride and metal hydride. In one embodiment the chemical hydride evolves hydrogen spontaneously upon exposure to water vapor, and the metal hydride reversibly absorbs/desorbs hydrogen based on temperature and pressure. The hydrogen producing substance may be formed in the shape of a pellet and may be contained within a hydrogen and water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane.

Abstract: A method of utilizing hydrogen in synthesis gas production by forming synthesis gas from one or more carbonaceous materials, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; separating a hydrogen-rich product and a hydrogen-lean product from the synthesis gas to yield an adjusted synthesis gas product; and activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst with at least a portion of the hydrogen-lean product. A system for carrying out the method is also provided, the system including at least one hydrogen extraction unit and an activation reactor operable to activate hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, wherein the activation reactor comprises an inlet fluidly connected with the at least one hydrogen extraction unit whereby at least a portion of a hydrogen-lean gas stream, at least a portion of a hydrogen-rich gas stream, or at least a portion of both may be introduced into the activation reactor.

Abstract: There are provided a hydrogen production apparatus, a fuel cell system and operation method thereof, which can more reliably suppress degradation due to oxidation of a catalyst in a hydrogen production apparatus even when start-ups and shutdowns are repeated without a purge operation during the shutdowns. The hydrogen production apparatus includes a reforming part, a shift reaction part, and a selective oxidation reaction part having a selective oxidation catalyst bed packed with a selective oxidation catalyst, wherein the hydrogen production apparatus has an oxygen absorbent bed packed with an oxygen absorbent capable of absorbing oxygen and capable of being regenerated by a reducing gas, and the oxygen absorbent bed and the selective oxidation catalyst bed are stacked with the oxygen absorbent bed on the downstream side, and the hydrogen production apparatus has means for opening the downstream of the oxygen absorbent bed to the atmosphere. The fuel cell system has this hydrogen production apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source and water; a burner that heats the reformer to a temperature suitable for a hydrogen generation reaction; a CO shift reactor that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer; a heating element for heating the CO shift reactor; and a cooling element for cooling the CO shift reactor, wherein the cooling element comprises at least one of a cooling water flow line for heat exchange with the CO shift reactor when cooling water flows through the cooling water flow line and a cooling gas flow line for heat exchange with the CO shift reactor when a cooling gas, which is a burner exhaust gas that has heat exchanged with cooling water, flows through the cooling gas flow line. When the fuel processor is operated, a stable CO removal performance can be maintained since the temperature of the CO shift reactor can be actively controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for converting a fuel to a reformate having fluctuations in pressure and or flow rate, means for reducing the fluctuations, a compression unit for compressing the reformate and one or more of a purification unit and a storage unit downstream of a compression unit. Means for reducing the fluctuations in the reformate can include one or more of a buffer and a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. The supplemental fluid can include the compressed reformate, a hydrogen-enriched reformate, and mixtures thereof. The apparatus can include means for regulating power to the compression unit that can incrementally increase power to the compression unit particularly during start up. The purification unit can include one or more of a hydrogen selective membrane and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Methods for producing hydrogen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flammable gas generating device includes a casing in which a mixing tank is received, the mixing tank has an inner space. A hydrogen input pipe connected to a hydrogen source, an oxygen input pipe connected to an oxygen source and a coolant pipe connected to a coolant source are respectively connected to the mixing tank and in communication with the inner space. Hydrogen and oxygen are mixed in the mixing tank and sent out via an output pipe to appliance such as a burner.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a process and an apparatus for hydrogenating hydrocarbon fuels. A receptacle is partly filled an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide. A hydrocarbon fuel is then introduced inside the receptacle atop the aqueous solution. Aluminum is introduced in the aqueous solution, thereby producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is bubbled through the hydrocarbon fuel for hydrogenating the fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to high purity hydrogen production in a steam-carbon cell, which may be operated either in fuel cell mode thus generating electricity at the same time, or in electrolysis mode where the hydrogen production rate is augmented by an externally applied voltage. Introduction of a solid carbonaceous fuel at the anode eliminates the uphill barrier of the open circuit voltage for the reduction of H2O to hydrogen. This novel concept nearly doubles the conversion efficiency of conventional electrolysis and offers near-zero emissions. The improved efficiency would mean that nearly half the greenhouse gases and other pollutants are produced. The product stream from the anode compartment primarily consists of CO2 and, hence, it is easier and cheaper to capture and mineralize the CO2.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system may include a burner unit that generates combustion gas and a combustion gas passage through which the combustion gas generated by the burner unit flows. A reformer, having a reforming catalyst, generates a reformed gas containing hydrogen by steam reforming a feed material and steam using the heat from the combustion gas. An evaporator evaporates water into steam using the heat from the combustion gas, flowing through the combustion gas passage, and supplies the steam to the reformer. The combustion gas passage is arranged to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the reformer, and the evaporator is arranged to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the combustion gas passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of generating a carburizing atmosphere stably generate a reformed gas containing carbon monoxide of high concentration that is suitably used as a carburizing atmosphere. A first reforming furnace and a second reforming furnace are connected in series. A first cooler that removes moisture in an intermediate reformed gas from the first reforming furnace and a hydrocarbon adding section that adds hydrocarbon to the intermediate reformed gas are disposed between the first and second reforming furnaces. A raw material mixed gas with a low mixture ratio of hydrocarbon is introduced into the first reforming furnace to cause a catalytic reaction, thereby generating the intermediate reformed gas. Moisture contained in the intermediate reformed gas is removed. Hydrocarbon is added to the intermediate reformed gas. The intermediate reformed gas is introduced into the second reforming furnace to cause a catalytic reaction, to generate a carburizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas generating system for generating a hydrogen-rich product gas by partial oxidation or autothermal reforming includes operating a reactor approximately adiabatically. The ratio of the mole flow O2/mole flow C-atomsfuel (O2/C ratio) is controlled on the basis of the temperature of the educts and of the reaction temperature. For adjusting and maintaining an optimal O2/C ratio with respect to a high hydrogen yield, approximately an O2/C ratio corresponding of the present educt temperatures is adjusted and is corrected on the basis of the deviation of the reaction temperature from a desired reaction temperature. The O2/C ratio is then adjusted by controlling the oxygen-containing educt or the hydrocarbon-containing educt.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas-generation device, which comprises a partial oxidation reactor with a downstream steam reformer, includes in order to start the gas-generation device, a quantity of air in all the operating phases is set in such a way that oxygen levels in the partial oxidation product gas caused by unburnt air constituents are minimized. Furthermore, an adiabatic, catalytic after-treatment stage, in which oxygen constituents of the partial oxidation product gas are converted, is connected between the partial oxidation reactor and the steam reformer.

Abstract: An independent and conserved source of fuel and/or power comprises a top stage rocket engine firing up to 5000 F. at very high pressures, delivering jet flows up to transonic velocities into a near adiabatic tunnel for mixing in general and/or for transforming reactants introduced to suit specific objectives. The related compression is supplied by an independent prime mover which compresses its exhaust and other recoverable fluids. Low grade flows, thereby upgraded in temperature and pressure, are adiabatically contained, are further upgraded in the tunnel to become part of the prescribed fuel for export at the tunnel ends; or fuel to be fired in a prime mover for electric or other power, or hydrogen for chemical use. Expansion turbines for this purpose are relieved of the load used to compress the excess air in standard gas turbines thus increasing export power. A portion of the expansion turbine's exhaust becomes part of recoverable fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for autothermally reforming hydrocarbons. According to the invention, the fuel is fed to a reforming reactor via a feeding device. The resulting reformate is conveyed to the reforming starting materials in a heat exchanger in a reverse direction flow, in such a way that heat is exchanged, said starting materials being conveyed from the outside inwards. The fuel supplied by the feeding device is delivered directly to the reaction zone together with the starting material. Said reaction zone has a catalyst. The combustion and reforming or catalysis processes are then carried out simultaneously and in the same area in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A rotary throttle valve carburetor has a fuel-and-air mixing passage which extends through a carburetor body. A cylindrical throttle chamber extends down from a top surface of the body and communicates transversely with the fuel-and-air mixing passage. A rotary throttle seats rotatably and vertically or axially movable within the chamber and through the fuel-and-air mixing passage. The rotary throttle has a bore fully communicating and longitudinally aligned with the fuel-and-air mixing passage at wide-open throttle. The rotary throttle has a throttle shaft projecting upward through the top surface of the carburetor body and through a hole of a base portion of a plastic lid plate engaged between the top surface and a metallic bracket. An upward projecting annular shoulder of the lid plate is disposed concentrically to and spaced radially apart from the throttle shaft.

Abstract: Process of producing power comprising:providing a turbine adapted to generate shaft work, said turbine having a combustor; and a rocket engine having a nozzle and a compressor means;feeding fuel and oxidant to the rocket engine and the rocket engine compressor means;feeding carbonaceous matter and steam into the rocket engine nozzle;processing the output of the rocket engine nozzle into fuel for the turbine;introducing said fuel and oxidant for the turbine to the turbine combustor; andrecycling a substantial portion of the hot exhaust from the turbine to the rocket engine compressor means; andcontrolling the inlet temperature to the turbine.Apparatus for producing power comprising a rocket engine and a turbine adapted to generate shaft work is also disclosed.

Abstract: Two or more (preferably three) simple single-chamber crucibles contain molten metal and are successively fed hydrocarbon feed to produce hydrogen, then fed oxygen-containing gas to produce CO, then fed hydrocarbon again, etc. Their operation is controlled by a swing valving sequence which connects the crucibles to a hydrogen header when they are producing hydrogen and to a CO header when they are producing CO, and possibly to a vent (or to the CO header) during the transition between H.sub.2 production and CO production (see FIG. 2). Each crucible (FIGS. 3, 4) preferably is in a pressure-tight steel housing, uses segmented refractories for simplicity in construction and reduction of thermal expansion effects and has an inlet lance (sparging tube) for feeding hydrocarbon and an outlet which emits product gases. Both inlet and outlet are preferably located in the head of each crucible. Swing valves are preferably located downstream of product heat-exchangers for lower temperature operation.

Abstract: In an improved molten metal hydrogen generation bath, baffles form a draft tube or chimney-effect near the center of the bath. Flow through the chimney is aided by maintaining a temperature differential favoring convection and, optionally, a differential pressure between the portions of the bath on either side of the baffle-chimney arrangement. Feed is added to the feed zone and oxygen is added to the oxidation zone, emitting H.sub.2 from the feed zone and CO from the oxidation zone. Baffles may be made simply of brick work or high temperature metal and can fit into existing refractory-lined molten metal vessels. Products can be mixed as syngas feed for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, the Boudouard endothermic reaction (CO.sub.2 +C .fwdarw. 2CO) can be used to control temperatures by injecting CO in place of oxygen.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing hydrogen-rich product gases by mixing a spray of liquid hydrocarbon with a stream of air in a startup procedure and the mixture is ignited for partial oxidation, then the stream of air is heated by the resulting combustion to reach a temperature such that a signal is produced. The signal triggers a two way valve which directs liquid hydrocarbon from a spraying mechanism to a vaporizing mechanism with which a vaporized hydrocarbon is formed. The vaporized hydrocarbon is subsequently mixed with the heated air in the combustion chamber where partial oxidation takes place and hydrogen-rich product gases are produced.