摘要:
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.
摘要:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for identifying an activation of a burst disk. A pressure data or a temperature data relating to a flow is received. A determination is made whether the flow is interrupted based upon the at least one of the pressure data and the temperature data. A burst disk activation is identified in response to determining that the flow is interrupted.
摘要:
An integrated fuel processor apparatus and enclosure for converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas. The integrated apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich reformate that contains water and a combustible gas component. The fuel processor is enclosed in a gas impermeable enclosure that has a collection vessel for receiving water separated from the reformate stream. The collection vessel has a drain for directing the water out of the enclosure. The collection vessel is open to the interior of the enclosure so that combustible gases that are entrained in the water can evaporate to the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure has a ventilator for evacuating the combustible gases from within the enclosure. Where high levels of combustible gases are present, the ventilator is configured to direct the gases to a combustor. A gas detection sensor is included in the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure. A processor receives data from the sensor and controls the removal of the combustible gases. The apparatus can further include a separator for separating the water from the hydrogen-rich reformate and directing the water into the collection vessel. The apparatus can include a separator for receiving and separating product water from a fuel cell exhaust stream and directing the product water to the collection vessel. In addition, collection vessel is connected to the outlet of a process water tank for receiving process water from the tank. Methods for manufacturing an apparatus for separating water from a reformate stream for safe disposal and methods for separating water from a reformate stream for safe disposal are disclosed.
摘要:
A system for treating process fluids delivered to an electrochemical cell stack is described. The system includes a treatment unit capable of treating and imparting a first range of temperatures to a process fluid that includes the freezing point of water. A filter removes ice particles larger than a particular size formed when the first temperature unit imparts a temperature to the process fluid low enough to cause ice particles to form.