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:
Feb. 05, 2008
Filed:
Mar. 04, 2004
Karl J. Haltiner, Jr., Fairport, NY (US);
Malcolm J. Grieve, Fairport, NY (US);
Kevin R. Keegan, Hilton, NY (US);
David R. Schumann, Spencerport, NY (US);
Karl J. Haltiner, Jr., Fairport, NY (US);
Malcolm J. Grieve, Fairport, NY (US);
Kevin R. Keegan, Hilton, NY (US);
David R. Schumann, Spencerport, NY (US);
Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for improving the efficiency of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell system by recycling a percentage of the anode exhaust syngas directly into the reformer in a range between about 20% and about 60%. Oxygen is supplied to the reformer at start-up. Under equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived entirely from endothermic reforming of water and carbon dioxide in the recycled syngas. Recycling of anode syngas into the reformer increases fuel efficiency, adds excess water to the reformate to increase protection against anode coking, and protects the fuel cell stack against air- and water-borne contaminants. A method for producing an excess amount of syngas for exporting for other purposes is also provided.