Abstract:
Microchannel devices and method of use are disclosed wherein a reaction microchamber 52 is in thermal contact with a heat exchange channel 61 . An equilibrium limited exothermic chemical process occurs in the reaction microchamber 52 . Sufficient heat is transferred to the heat exchange channels to substantially lower the temperature in the reaction microchamber 52 down its length to substantially increase at least one performance parameter of the exothermic chemical process relative to isothermal operation. Optionally, an endothermic reaction occurs in the heat exchange channel 61 which is sustained by the exothermic chemical process occurring the exothermic reaction chamber. Both the reaction chamber 52 and the heat exchange channel 61 can be of micro dimension. Catalyst 75 can be provided in the microchamber 52 in sheet form such that reactants flow by the catalyst sheet. A microchannel reactor 100 can be formed by integrally bonding an alternating stack of thin recessed sheets wherein the recesses in the sheets define the flow paths.
Abstract:
A fluid processing unit having first and second interleaved flow paths in a cross flow configuration is disclosed. The first flow paths are substantially longer than the second flow paths such that the pressure drop in the second flow paths can be maintained at a relatively low level and temperature variations across the second flow paths are reduced. One or more of the flow paths can be microchannels. When used as a vaporizer and/or superheater, the longer first flow paths include an upstream liquid flow portion and a downstream vapor flow portion of enlarged cross sectional area. A substantial pressure drop is maintained through the upstream liquid flow portion for which one or more tortuous flow channels can be utilized. The unit is a thin panel, having a width substantially less its length or height, and is manufactured together with other thin units in a bonded stack of thin metal sheets. The individual units are then separated from the stack after bonding.
Abstract:
Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures and gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components are also part of the present invention.
Abstract:
Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures an d gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined wit h microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components a re also part of the present invention.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for improving the water balance in a power unit by providing the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell as a feed gas to the combustion system, condensing at least a portion of water present in the effluent from the combustion system in a condenser, and then transferring water vapor from the uncondensed portion of the effluent from the condenser to the gas fed to the cathode side of the fuel cell. Water from the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell is either captured in the condenser, or is reused in the feed gas of the cathode side of the fuel cell. By humidifying the air fed into system with the water vapor present in the exhaust gas, water is not lost from the system. Instead, the air is being fed into the system is humidified with this water, which in turn allows the humidifier to operated at higher temperatures and/or use smaller radiators and fans and/or draw less parasitic power, thereby increasing overall system efficiency.
Abstract:
A microcomponent apparatus for conducting unit operations comprising: a microcomponent device wherein, during operation, a stream enters the microcomponent device and a first unit operation is performed on said stream, said stream and exiting the microcomponent device; a processing device connected to the microcomponent device; said processing device being capable of modifying said stream by a second unit operation wherein, during operation, said stream re- enters said microcomponent device where said first unit operation can again be performed on the stream, and said stream exits the microcomponent device.
Abstract:
Microchannel devices and method of use are disclosed wherein a reaction microchamber (52) is in thermal contact with a heat exchange channel (61). An equilibrium limited exothermic chemical process occurs in the reaction microchamber (52). Sufficient heat is transferred to the heat exchange channels to substantially lower the temperature in the reaction microchamber (52) down its length to substantially increase at least one performance parameter of the exothermic chemical process relative to isothermal operation. Optionally, an endothermic reaction occurs in the heat exchange channel (61) which is sustained by the exothermic chemical process occurring the exothermic reaction chamber. Both the reaction chamber (52) and the heat exchange channel (61) can be of micro dimension. Catalyst (75) can be provided in the microchamber (52) in sheet form such that reactants flow by the catalyst sheet. A microchannel reactor (100) can be formed by integrally bonding an alternating stack of thin recessed sheets wherein the recesses in the sheets define the flow paths.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for improving the water balance in a power unit by providing the exhaust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell as a feed gas to the combustion system, condensing at least a portion of water present in the effluent from the combustion system in a condenser, and then transfe rring water vapor from the uncondensed portion of the effluent from the cond enser to the gas fed to the cathode side of the fuel cell. Water from the ex haust gas from the cathode side of the fuel cell is either captured in the c ondenser, or is reused in the feed gas of the cathode side of the fuel cell. By humidifying the air fed into system with the water vapor present in the exhaust gas, water is not lost from the system. Instead, the air is being fe d into the system is humidified with this water, which in turn allows the hu midifier to operated at higher temperatures and/or use smaller radiators and fans and/or draw less parasitic power, thereby increasing overall system ef ficiency.
Abstract:
A fuel processing system and method for a sulfur bearing fuel include a hydrodesulfurization reactor followed by an adsorbent bed for removing sulfur or sulfur containing species from the fuel. In certain embodiments, the adsorbent bed is a ZnO bed. In another embodiment, a fuel processing system and method for a sulfur bearing fuel include a steam reformer, a hydrodesulfurization reactor, and an adsorbent bed.