Abstract:
A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heater or a steam reformer. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired catalyst formed therein. An optional cofired porous ceramic support layer can be provided as a layer between the ceramic structure and the catalyst material. The cofired catalyst provides for selective deposition of the catalyst material during fabrication and complete air oxidation of an input fuel during use. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.
Abstract:
A fuel processor and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer and including an integrated fuel cell stack. The reformer includes a vaporization zone, a reaction zone including a catalyst, and an integrated heater. The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.
Abstract:
A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heating reactor or a steam reforming reactor. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired porous ceramic support layer formed therein. The porous ceramic support layer further includes an immobilized catalyst formed on a surface of the porous ceramic support layer or entrapped within a plurality of voids formed in the porous ceramic support layer. The immobilized catalyst providing for a chemical reaction which converts input chemical reactants into chemical products and by-products. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reforming reactor, having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.
Abstract:
A hydrogen generator including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer. The reformer includes a vaporization zone and a reaction zone including a catalyst. The reformer is operational as either a steam reformer, a partial oxidation reformer or an autothermal reformer. The fuel reformer, or processor, further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.
Abstract:
A fuel processor and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer and including an integrated fuel cell stack. The reformer includes a vaporization zone, a reaction zone including a catalyst, and an integrated heater. The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.
Abstract:
A fuel cell array apparatus and method of forming the fuel cell array apparatus including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least two spaced apart membrane electrode assemblies formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel is defined in the base portion and equally communicating with each of the at least two spaced apart membrane electrode assemblies for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to each of membrane electrode assemblies. An exhaust channel is defined in the base portion and equally communicating with each of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each of membrane electrode assemblies and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forms a single fuel cell assembly. There is additionally included a top portion characterized as providing for the exposure of a portion of each fuel cell assembly to ambient air and a plurality of electrical components for electrical integration of the plurality of formed fuel cell assemblies.
Abstract:
A hydrogen generator (10) including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure (12) defining a fuel reformer (14). The reformer includes a vaporization zone (16) and a reaction zone (18) including a catalyst. The reformer is operational as either a steam reformer, a partial oxidation reformer or an autothermal reformer. The fuel reformer, or processor, further includes an inlet channel (20) for liquid fuel and an outlet channel (22) for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.
Abstract:
A fuel processor (10) and integrated fuel cell including a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure (12) defining a fuel reformer (14) and including an integrated fuel cell stack (32). The reformer includes a vaporization zone (16), a reaction zone (18) including a catalyst, and an integrated heater (28). The integrated heater is thermally coupled to the reaction zone. The fuel processor further includes an inlet channel (20) for liquid fuel and an outlet channel (22) for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.
Abstract:
A fuel cell array apparatus (10) includes a base portion (14) formed of a singular body. At least two spaced apart membrane electrode assemblies (16) are formed on a major surface (26) of the base portion. A fluid supply channel (32) is defined in the base portion and equally communicates with each of the at least two spaced apart membrane electrode (18, 22) assemblies for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid thereto. An exhaust channel (38) is defined in the base portion and equally communicating with each of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each of membrane electrode assemblies and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forms a single fuel cell assembly.