The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 22, 1997
Danny G Epp, Tsawwassen, CA;
Robert M Baumert, San Diego, CA (US);
Ballard Power Systems Inc., Burnaby, CA;
Abstract
An integrated electrochemical fuel cell power plant, including a fuel processing subsystem is suitable for use in a submarine. Selection and control of operating temperatures and pressures in the various subsystems and components of the fuel cell power plant are important aspects of submarine power plant design. A catalytic burner is used to heat a heat transfer fluid, which in turn is used to heat a vaporizer and reformer in the fuel processing subsystem. A hydrogen separator is used to obtain a substantially pure hydrogen fuel stream from the reformate stream, which is directed to and recirculated through the fuel cell stack in a closed-loop. The fuel processor is operated at high pressure which facilitates the discharge of waste exhaust streams overboard, and the fuel cell is operated at a substantially lower pressure.