Robert Boschgmbh

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Peter Riegger

Wilhelm Amrhein

An apparatus () for converting a hydrocarbon-containing flow of matter () to a hydrogen-enriched fluid flow () includes a heating apparatus () for production of a heating stream (), whereby the flow of matter () is converted to the hydrogen-enriched fluid flow () in a first converter () as well as in a second converter () arranged behind the first converter in a flow direction. A heating element () that is flowed-through by the heating stream () is provided for heating at least one of the two converters (). The invention provides an improved system efficiency, in that a disadvantageous cooling of the second converter () is effectively avoided. This is achieved according to the present invention in that at least in one operating phase, the heating stream () flows to the second converter () completely in a counterflow to the flow of matter ().

Apparatus for converting a hydrocarbon-containing flow of matter

The fuel cell apparatus has a fuel-producing unit ( ) for producing hydrogen-enriched fuel ( ) and a fuel cell or fuel cell stack ( ) for production of electrical energy from the hydrogen-enriched fuel and air. It also includes at least one compressor ( ) for providing the fuel cell or fuel cell stack with an over-pressure, in order to decisively reduce the danger due to leakage and to guarantee reduced energy consumption and reduced costs for supply of the apparatus. Since at least one operating pressure is less than atmospheric air pressure, the apparatus provides these advantages. The apparatus also preferably includes at least one burner unit ( ) for consuming excess hydrogen-containing fluid. In a preferred embodiment one compressor unit is arranged between an outlet of the fuel cell or fuel cell stack and an outlet of the apparatus for exhaust gas in order to provide a low pressure to draw in hydrogen-enriched fuel. Another separate compressor unit is optionally arranged upstream of an entrance to the fuel cell for a second oxygen-containing fluid stream.

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Gerlingen, Germany

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