Plug Power Inc.

Kenneth McClellan Rush, Jr

Nicola Piccirillo

Jeffrey R Boyer

John F Elter

Douglas G Austin, Ii

Jeremy D Carlson

Steven P Bogardus

The invention provides apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture for fuel cell systems designed for modular application. As an example, a fuel cell system is provided that includes an enclosure housing a fuel cell stack, a power conditioning circuit, and a control circuit. The power conditioning circuit has a first input connector electrically coupled to the fuel cell stack. The power conditioning circuit is adapted to convert a direct current flow from the fuel cell stack to a conditioned alternating current flow having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 120 volts). The conditioned current flow is provided to an outlet connector of the power conditioning circuit located along a first portion of the enclosure. The power conditioning circuit further includes a second input connector located along a second portion of the enclosure. The second input connector is adapted to receive an external current flow.

Architected fuel cell system for modular application

A method and system for forming a hydrogen-rich reactant stream for use in a fuel cell is disclosed. The method comprises combining a hydrocarbon fuel with water to form humidified fuel and then pressurizing the humidified fuel. The pressurized, humidified fuel is then introduced to a fuel processor to produce a hydrogen-rich reactant for a fuel cell. By humidifying fuel prior to pressurization, a lower temperature of the water may be used compared to the temperature of the water required for humidifying pressurized fuel, thereby providing a more efficient method of producing a hydrogen-rich reactant for a fuel cell. Systems for effecting this method are also disclosed.

Method and system for humidification of a fuel

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Clifton Park, NY, United States of America

Kenneth McClellan Rush, Jr