Abstract:
A fuel cell system (10), in particular for mobile applications, is disclosed. A fuel cell stack (24) is in fluid communication with a reformer (22). An air conditioning system (50) is in fluid communication with the reformer (22). During operation, the air conditioning system produces a condensate that is collected and directed to the reformer. The condensate may also be used for hydrating a proton exchange membrane in a PEM fuel cell. The water management of the fuel cell system is thus improved. Methods of making and using a fuel cell system (10) are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a fuel cell system is disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises supplying an amount of fuel and an amount of oxidant to a fuel cell stack. The amount of fuel supplied to the fuel cell stack is controlled to attain a desired voltage output, such that the desired voltage is at least partially based upon an input current and voltage for a battery in electrical communication with the fuel cell stack. A vehicle power system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A temperature/reaction management system comprises a reformer system (86) and a mat material (80) fluidly coupled to a portion of the inlet (82) of the reforming zone of the reformer system (86). An inert material (92) and/or flame arrestor (90) can optionally be positioned before the mat material (80) to filter particulate matter, and lower the temperature of the fuel, respectively. A method for managing the temperature and reaction of fuel in an energy conversion device comprises dispensing an air/fuel mixture through a mat material (80) disposed against an inlet (82) of a reformer system (86). The air/fuel mixture is dispensed through a reflective surface (88) of the mat material (80) to maintain a first temperature that is less than a second temperature necessary for a gas phase reaction to occur. The mat material (80) inhibits the propagation of a flame into the reformer system (86), and allows fuel to enter the reformer system (86).
Abstract:
An energy conversion system comprising ammonia for fueling an SOFC stack to generate electricity and a hydrogen-rich tailgas. In the SOFC stack, ammonia is cracked to hydrogen and nitrogen. Ammonia is stored in a metal halide complex and is released therefrom as gaseous ammonia by waste heat from the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned across the SOFC cathode such that incoming air is tempered by the cathode exhaust air. In a two-stage energy conversion system, the hydrogen-rich tailgas from the SOFC is supplied as fuel to a secondary energy conversion device which may be, for example, an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine engine which may operate, for example, either a generator for generating additional electricity or a vehicle for motive power, or a second fuel cell stack.
Abstract:
An energy conversion system comprising ammonia for fueling an SOFC stack to generate electricity and a hydrogen-rich tailgas. In the SOFC stack, ammonia is cracked to hydrogen and nitrogen. Ammonia is stored in a metal halide complex and is released therefrom as gaseous ammonia by waste heat from the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned across the SOFC cathode such that incoming air is tempered by the cathode exhaust air. In a two-stage energy conversion system, the hydrogen-rich tailgas from the SOFC is supplied as fuel to a secondary energy conversion device which may be, for example, an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine engine which may operate, for example, either a generator for generating additional electricity or a vehicle for motive power, or a second fuel cell stack.
Abstract:
A method of main reformer (102) startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel (122) and a first supply of air (123) into a micro-reformer (120). The first supply of fuel (123) is increased to produce a heated reformate (126) in the micro-reformer (120). The heated reformate (126) is directed through a main reformer (102) in order to heat the main reformer (102). At least a portion of the heated reformate (126) is burned in the main reformer (102). A second supply of fuel (103) and a second supply of air (108) is introduced into the main reformer (102) to produce a main supply of reformate (62). A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for a preheated micro-reformer system is disclosed comprising a reformer (42) and a micro-reformer (44) fluidly coupled to the reformer (42). The micro-reformer (44) being electrically preheatable. An apparatus comprising a micro-reformer (44) including a first zone (76) and a second zone (78), the first zone (76) being preheatable to a first temperature and the second zone (78) being preheatable to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. A method of using a micro-reformer (44) that is electrically preheatable is disclosed comprising initiating an electrically preheatable micro-reformer (44). The micro-reformer (44) is preheated. The preheating can be accomplished by converting electrical energy (56) into thermal energy (66). A method of using a preheated micro-reformer (44) is disclosed comprising preheating a first zone (76), preheating a second zone (78) to a temperature higher than the first zone (76), vaporizing a fuel air mixture (60) in the first zone (76), and reforming the fuel air mixture (60) in the second zone (78).