Systems and methods for supplying auxiliary fuel streams during intermittent byproduct discharge from pressure swing adsorption assemblies

Abstract

Combustion fuel stream supply systems for use with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to receive a mixed gas stream and, while producing a product hydrogen stream therefrom, intermittently discharge a byproduct stream. The byproduct stream, when available, may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. A combustion fuel stream supply system selectively supplies an auxiliary fuel stream when a byproduct stream is not discharged or otherwise does not have a predetermined combustion fuel value sufficient, when combusted, to maintain the hydrogen-producing region within a desired temperature range. The one or more streams supplied to the heating assembly have a combined combustion fuel value at least as great as the predetermined threshold value.