CA2371657C - Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same - Google Patents
Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2371657C CA2371657C CA002371657A CA2371657A CA2371657C CA 2371657 C CA2371657 C CA 2371657C CA 002371657 A CA002371657 A CA 002371657A CA 2371657 A CA2371657 A CA 2371657A CA 2371657 C CA2371657 C CA 2371657C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reservoirs
- assembly
- containing feedstock
- stream
- control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
- B01J8/02—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
- B01J8/0278—Feeding reactive fluids
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
- C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
- C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
- C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
- C01B3/38—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
- F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
- F17C5/02—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with liquefied gases
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
- F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
- H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
- H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
- H01M8/0668—Removal of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
- B01J2208/00106—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange
- B01J2208/00168—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange with heat exchange elements outside the bed of solid particles
- B01J2208/00212—Plates; Jackets; Cylinders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
- B01J2208/00389—Controlling the temperature using electric heating or cooling elements
- B01J2208/00415—Controlling the temperature using electric heating or cooling elements electric resistance heaters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
- B01J2208/00504—Controlling the temperature by means of a burner
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00539—Pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00548—Flow
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/0061—Controlling the level
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
- B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
- B01J2208/00628—Controlling the composition of the reactive mixture
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
- B01J2219/00211—Control algorithm comparing a sensed parameter with a pre-set value
- B01J2219/00213—Fixed parameter value
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
- B01J2219/00211—Control algorithm comparing a sensed parameter with a pre-set value
- B01J2219/00218—Dynamically variable (in-line) parameter values
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
- B01J2219/00211—Control algorithm comparing a sensed parameter with a pre-set value
- B01J2219/0022—Control algorithm comparing a sensed parameter with a pre-set value calculating difference
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00049—Controlling or regulating processes
- B01J2219/00191—Control algorithm
- B01J2219/00222—Control algorithm taking actions
- B01J2219/00227—Control algorithm taking actions modifying the operating conditions
- B01J2219/00238—Control algorithm taking actions modifying the operating conditions of the heat exchange system
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
- C01B2203/0227—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step
- C01B2203/0233—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a catalytic reforming step the reforming step being a steam reforming step
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0405—Purification by membrane separation
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
- C01B2203/066—Integration with other chemical processes with fuel cells
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
- C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0811—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas by combustion of fuel
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
- C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0833—Heating by indirect heat exchange with hot fluids, other than combustion gases, product gases or non-combustive exothermic reaction product gases
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
- C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/0838—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas by heat exchange with exothermic reactions, other than by combustion of fuel
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/08—Methods of heating or cooling
- C01B2203/0805—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/085—Methods of heating the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas by electric heating
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/12—Feeding the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1205—Composition of the feed
- C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1217—Alcohols
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/12—Feeding the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1205—Composition of the feed
- C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1235—Hydrocarbons
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/12—Feeding the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1205—Composition of the feed
- C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/1235—Hydrocarbons
- C01B2203/1241—Natural gas or methane
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/1614—Controlling the temperature
- C01B2203/1619—Measuring the temperature
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/1628—Controlling the pressure
- C01B2203/1633—Measuring the pressure
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/169—Controlling the feed
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
- C01B2203/16—Controlling the process
- C01B2203/1695—Adjusting the feed of the combustion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04007—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids related to heat exchange
- H01M8/04029—Heat exchange using liquids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
- H01M8/04208—Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
- H01M8/04216—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes characterised by the choice for a specific material, e.g. carbon, hydride, absorbent
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
- H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
- H01M8/0612—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants from carbon-containing material
- H01M8/0618—Reforming processes, e.g. autothermal, partial oxidation or steam reforming
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
- H01M8/0662—Treatment of gaseous reactants or gaseous residues, e.g. cleaning
- H01M8/0687—Reactant purification by the use of membranes or filters
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Abstract
A fuel processing assembly (10) for producing hydrogen gas (18) from volatile feedstock (14). The fuel processing assembly (10) includes a fuel processor (16), such as a steam reformer. The fuel processing assembly (10) further includes a feed assembly (12) for delivering a volatile feedstock (14), such as propane, to the fuel processor (16). In some embodiments, the fuel processing assembly (10) includes a fuel cell stack (20) that includes at least one fuel cell for producing electrical power from hydrogen gas (18) produced by the fuel processor (16).
Description
VOLATILE FEEDSTOCK DELIVERY SYSTEM AND FUEL PROCESSING
SYSTEM INCORPORATING THE SAME
Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to fuel processing systems, and more specifically to a delivery system for volatile feedstocks and fuel processing systems including the same.
Background and Summary of the Invention Purified hydrogen is used in the manufacture of many products including metals, edible fats and oils, and semiconductors and microelectronics.
Purified hydrogen is also an important fuel source for many energy conversion devices.
For example, fuel cells use purified hydrogen and an oxidant to produce an electrical potential. A process known as steam reforming produces by chemical reaction hydrogen and certain byproducts or impurities. A subsequent purification process removes the undesirable impurities to provide hydrogen sufficiently purified for application to a fuel cell.
In a steam reforming process, one reacts steam and a carbon-containing compound in the presence of a catalyst. Examples of suitable carbon-containing compounds include, but are not limited to, alcohols (such as methanol or ethanol) and hydrocarbons (such as methane, propane, gasoline or kerosene). Steam reforming requires an elevated operating temperature, e.g., between 250 degrees centigrade and 900 degrees centigrade, and produces primarily hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with lesser quantities of carbon monoxide also being formed. Trace quantities of unreacted reactants and trace quantities of byproducts also can result from steam reforming.
The invented system includes a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a variety of feedstocks. One such fuel processor is a steam reformer, which produces purified hydrogen from a carbon-containing feedstock and water. In the invented system, various mechanisms for supplying a volatile feedstock, such as propane, under pressure to the fuel processor are disclosed. In some embodiments, the fuel processing system includes a fuel cell stack that includes at least one fuel cell adapted ~ECraw a coRRECTtot~
SEE CE~TiFICATE
CO~sRECrio-a - ~,p'TICIE 8 VOIR CER'T1FlCAT
to produce electrical power from air (oxygen) and hydrogen gas produced by the fuel processor.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a volatile feedstock delivery system. The system includes a plurality of heated reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock. The system further includes a delivery system adapted to selectively deliver an output stream containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs, and a heating assembly adapted to heat the plurality of reservoirs.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuel processing system. The system includes a fuel processor adapted to produce a product stream containing hydrogen gas from a feedstock, and a feed assembly adapted to deliver the feedstock at a selected pressure to the fuel processor.
The feed assembly includes a volatile feedstock feed system, which in turn includes a plurality of reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock, and a delivery system including a delivery valve assembly adapted to selectively deliver a feed stream containing volatile carbon-containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs at a pressure at least as great as the selected pressure. The fuel processing system further includes a supply system including a supply valve assembly adapted to selectively fill the reservoirs with the volatile carbon-containing feedstock, and a heating assembly adapted to maintain the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs at or above the selected pressure.
Many other features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description which follows and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which preferred embodiments incorporating the principles of this invention are disclosed as illustrative examples only.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative fuel processing system.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a feed assembly for the fuel processing system of Fig. 1.
SECTlUv E CURR~CT10N _ _ CORRECTIO'd - ARTICt.E 8 VOIR CEfl7lFlCAT
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a feed assembly adapted to deliver a volatile feedstock to a fuel processor.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a jacketed reservoir according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of another reservoir according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a graph showing the vapor pressure of propane as a function of temperature.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and Best Mode of the Invention A schematic example of a fuel processing assembly is shown in Fig. 1 and generally indicated at I0. Assembly 10 includes a feed assembly 12 that is adapted to deliver one or more feed streams 14 to a fuel processor 16. Fuel processor 16 receives the feed streams and produces a product hydrogen stream 18 therefrom. In addition to product hydrogen stream 18, fuel processor 16 generally produces one or more byproduct streams 22. These byproduct streams may be utilized for fuel, heat exchange, or feed. Alternatively, these streams may be harvested for use in other applications.
Fuel processor 16 is a device or assembly of .devices adapted to produce hydrogen gas through any suitable mechanism from a single or multi-component feedstock comprising one or more feed streams. An example of a suitable mechanism for producing hydrogen gas is steam reforming, in which hydrogen gas is produced from a carbon-containing feedstock and water. Examples of suitable steam reforming units are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,861,137 and 5,997,594 and PCT
Publication No. WO 00/22690.
Product hydrogen stream 18 may be stored in a suitable storage device, such as a hydride bed or storage tank, or delivered for use in processes requiring purified hydrogen gas. For example, in Fig. 1, product hydrogen stream 18 is shown being delivered to a fuel cell stack 20. Fuel cell stack 20 includes at least one fuel cell, and S~CTWN d CORRECT10N _3_ SEE CERTIFICATE
YOiR CER1'IFICAT
typically includes multiple fuel cells coupled together. The fuel cell stack receives hydrogen gas from the fuel processor and produces an electric current therefrom as the hydrogen gas is reacted with oxygen to form water. The electric current produced by the fuel cell stack is then used to meet the electric load applied by one or more associated devices, such as vehicles, households, generators, boats, etc.
Examples of suitable fuel cells include proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and alkaline fuel cells.
Fuel processor 16 includes a hydrogen producing region 24, in which a hydrogen containing stream, or mixed gas stream, 26 is produced from the feed streams. The hydrogen-containing stream typically contains impurities, and therefore is delivered to a separation region, or purification region, 28, where the stream is purified. In separation region 28, the hydrogen-containing stream is separated into product hydrogen stream 18 and one or more byproduct streams 22 by any suitable pressure-driven separation process. As an illustrative example, separation region 28 may include a membrane module 30, which contains one or more hydrogen permeable metal membranes, such as those discussed herein. Another example of a suitable pressure-separation process is pressure swing absorption (PSA).
Therefore, region 28 may alternatively include suitable structure for performing pressure swing absorption.
Region 28 may also be referred to as a purification assembly or separation assembly. Purification assembly 28 is in communication with fuel processor 16 and adapted to receive the mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas (and other components) from hydrogen producing region 24. Assembly 28 may be contained within fuel processor 16, such as within the housing of the fuel processor.
Alternatively, region 28 may be mounted on the housing of the fuel processor.
In a further variation, purification assembly 28 may be physically separated from the fuel processor, but still in fluid communication therewith, such as through the use of piping or other fluid transportation lines or mechanisms.
An example of a membrane module formed from a plurality of hydrogen-selective metal membranes is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,221,117 entitled "Hydrogen Producing Fuel Processing System". In that application, a plurality of generally planar membranes are assembled together into a membrane module having flow SrC-i t:uv ~ CORRECTiDN
SEE GER T IFIGATE
CORRECIIOPd - ARTICLE 8 VOIR CER a IFICAT
channels through which an impure gas stream is delivered to the membranes, a purified gas stream is harvested from the membranes and a byproduct stream is removed from the membranes. Gaskets, such as flexible graphite gaskets, are used to achieve seals around the feed and permeate flow channels.
The thin, planar, hydrogen-permeable membranes are preferably composed of palladium alloys, most especially palladium with 35 wt% to 45 wt% copper.
These membranes are typically formed from a thin foil that is approximately 0.001 inches thick. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, that the membranes may be formed from hydrogen-selective metals and metal alloys other than those discussed above and that the membranes may have thicknesses that are larger or smaller than discussed above. For example, the membrane may be made thinner, with commensurate increase in hydrogen flux, such as by the above-described etching process. The hydrogen-permeable membranes may be arranged in any suitable configuration, such as arranged in pairs around a common permeate channel as is 1 S disclosed in the patent applications referred to herein.
In Fig. 2, an embodiment of feed assembly 12 is shown in more detail. As shown, assembly 12 includes a water delivery system 32 and a volatile feedstock delivery system 34. Each delivery system 32 and 34 includes associated pumps, transportation lines and the like to receive and deliver a stream of the appropriate feedstock to fuel processor 16. The systems may selectively receive the feedstock from an external source, such as by a fluid transportation line 36.
Alternatively, or additionally, the systems may include a reservoir 38 adapted to store a selected volume of the feedstock. The reservoirs 38 may be recharged either by replacing the reservoir with a full reservoir or by refilling the reservoir by any suitable method, such as by using a fluid transportation line connected to an external source.
Systems 32 and 34 SE C r ;~Jy 8 CORRECTION
SEE CERTIFICATE
CORRcC~IO\ - ARTICLE B
VOIR CERTIFlCAT -5-deliver water and carbon-containing feed streams 40 and 42 to fuel processor 16. It should be understood that delivery system 34 may be used to deliver volatile carbon-containing feedstocks for use other than by steam reformers.
As discussed, suitable feedstocks for fuel processing assembly 16 include carbon-containing compounds such as hydrocarbons and alcohols.
Some carbon-containing feedstocks are volatile. Examples of volatile hydrocarbon feedstocks include propane, butane, propylene, butylene and mixtures thereof, such as LPG.
In Fig. 3, a delivery system 34 for a volatile carbon-containing to feedstock is shown. System 34 is adapted to deliver stream 42 to fuel processor 16 at an elevated pressure. Steam reforming at elevated pressure is necessary to the integrated hydrogen-purification method that is based upon a hydrogen-selective membrane or other suitable pressure-driven separation process. In particular, it is preferable that steam reforming be conducted at t5 psig to 300 psig. Although propane is commonly stored as a compressed liquified gas, the vapor pressure of propane is very dependent on the temperature of the liquified gas. For instance, the vapor pressure curve of propane as a function of temperature is shown in Fig. 7. As shown, at 0° F the vapor pressure of propane is about 29 psig, whereas at 70° F the vapor pressure 2o is 110 psig and at 130° F the vapor pressure is 258 psig (Handbook of Compressed Gases, 3~'~ Edition, pp. 450-451). This large variability in the vapor pressure of propane as a function of temperature presents difficulty in admitting propane into the steam-reforming region of the fuel processor at a specific elevated pressure within the range of 100 psig to 300 psig, or other z5 pressure range at which the pressurized volatile feedstock will be used.
As shown in Fig.3, system 34 includes a volatile feedstock supply assembly 35 that provides a source of a volatile, carbon-containing feedstock for use in delivery system 34. Supply assembly is shown including a primary reservoir 38 that is charged with a volume of a volatile carbon-3o containing feedstock 44, such as those described above. Reservoir 38 may be recharged through any suitable mechanism, including refill by a supply line 36 connected to an external source, by replacement with a full reservoir, and by delivery of a volume of feedstock to refill the reservoir. It is within the scope of the invention that delivery system 34 may be implemented without reservoir s 38, such as when the delivery system is in communication with an external supply of feedstock.
In the subsequent discussion, system 34 will be described as a propane delivery system, however, it should be understood that the system may be used with any suitable volatile feedstock. A pump 46 draws a stream 48 of to propane from primary reservoir 38 and delivers the stream in alternating fashion via feed valve assembly 50 to a plurality of heated supply reservoirs 52, each of which is adapted to store a volume of propane 54. For purposes of illustration, two supply reservoirs 52a and 52b are shown. It should be understood that additional reservoirs 52 may be used. Furthermore, a single ~s reservoir 52 may be used, however, in such an embodiment the delivery of feedstock by system 34 will be intermittent as the reservoir is recharged and if necessary, heated. In embodiments of the delivery system where pressurized feedstock is available from an external supply, pump 46 may be omitted.
Liquid propane stored within supply reservoirs 52a and 52b is 2o heated to raise the vapor pressure of the propane to a sufficiently high pressure to supply liquid propane directly to the fuel processor at the desired operating pressure. For instance, raising the temperature of the liquid propane within the supply reservoir to 60° C ( 140° F) will cause the propane vapor pressure to increase to 300 psig.
2s Propane supply reservoirs 52a and 52b are preferably optimized such that while one supply reservoir is supplying pressurized liquid propane to the fuel processor the other supply reservoir is being refilled from the master storage reservoir 38. Thus, feed valve assembly 50 properly directs propane to the supply reservoir that requires filling. Valve assembly 50 may include any 3o suitable number and type of valve, or structure for controlling fluid flow.
An example of a suitable valve assembly 50 is a three-way valve. When a particular supply reservoir 52 is filled, an exhaust vent assembly 53, such as valve 56, is opened to allow the displaced vapor from the supply reservoir to return to the master storage reservoir 38 via transportation lines 55.
Preferably, s valve 56 is opened only during the filling operation. In embodiments of delivery system 34 that do not include reservoir 38, the vent assembly may vent the vapor to the atmosphere or communicate with suitable transportation lines to transport the vapor to another suitable location for storage, combustion or use.
It should be understood that the time required for a reservoir to dispense its supply of feedstock may not necessarily correspond to the time required to fill the reservoir. Therefore, there may be times that one reservoir is dispensing feedstock and another reservoir is filled with preheated feedstock, which is ready to be dispensed after the currently dispensing reservoir is 15 depleted of available feedstock.
A downstream, or delivery, valve assembly 58, such as another three-way valve, directs the flow of pressurized liquid propane from the appropriate supply reservoir 52 to the fuel processor as stream 42.
Preferably, valve assemblies 50 and 58 operate in unison to ensure that one supply 2o reservoir is being refilled while the other is providing propane stream 42 to the fuel processor. As discussed above, however, there may be times when the reservoir supplying propane (or another volatile carbon-containing feedstock) to the fuel processor still has a volume of propane to be supplied even though the other reservoir is already refilled and preheated.
25 As discussed, supply reservoirs 52 are maintained at elevated temperatures. The necessary heat energy required to heat the liquid propane within the supply reservoir is obtained from any suitable heat source. For example, system 34 may include a heating assembly 67 adapted to heat the reservoirs to a desired temperature. Heating assembly 67 may include a heated 3o fluid stream 68 that heats the reservoirs through heat exchange. As shown, s stream 68 passes through conduits 71 in reservoirs 52. In Fig. 3, a heating valve assembly 64, such as another three-way valve 65 is shown adapted to direct stream 68 between the two supply reservoirs so that only the reservoir that is providing propane to the fuel processor is being heated.
Alternatively, s the valve assembly may selectively apportion the heating fluid stream between the reservoirs, such as to maintain the dispensing reservoir at a desired delivery temperature while also providing heat to another reservoir to preheat the feedstock being supplied to the reservoir. Stream 68 may form part of a cooling fluid loop 70, in which case the stream is returned via stream 72 for to reheating after heat exchange with one or more of reservoirs 52.
Alternatively, the stream may be exhausted or sent to a downstream device for disposal, use, storage or the like.
An example of a suitable heating fluid stream 68 is a heated cooling fluid stream discharged from fuel cell stack 20. This stream, which ~ s typically contains water, is often obtained at 60° C by virtue of the operating characteristics of many fuel cells. After transfernng heat to the propane supply reservoir, stream 68 is returned to the fuel-cell cooling loop. Using the fuel-cell cooling fluid in this manner to heat the propane in the supply reservoir has the added benefit in that the vaporizing propane serves to remove heat from the 2o fuel-cell cooling fluid. Preferably, the supply reservoir is not heated during the refilling operation to minimize the heat that pump 46 must work against to refill the supply reservoirs.
Another suitable heating stream 68 is a heated exhaust stream from fuel processor 16. While stream 68 is shown in Fig. 3 passing through 2s reservoirs 52, it is within the scope of the present invention that stream 68 may alternatively be delivered to a shell, or jacket, 74 that at least partially, or completely, surrounds one or more of the reservoirs, such as shown in Fig. 4.
Other sources of heat can also serve to heat the propane within the supply reservoirs. For instance, electric resistance heaters, burners and the exhaust 3o stream from a combustion chamber or combustion unit may be used.
Resistance heaters may heat the exterior of the reservoirs, and/or include one or more heating rods that extend into the reservoirs. Schematically illustrated in Fig. 5 is a reservoir 52 being heating by an electric resistance heater 75 that includes one or more heating rods 77 that extend into the reservoir. The s number and configuration of the rods may vary, and alternatively, the resistance heater may heat the shell of reservoir as opposed to heating the fluid within the reservoir directly.
Delivery system 34 may further include a control system 80 adapted to control the operation of the volatile feedstock delivery system.
to Control system 80 includes a controller 82 that communicates with the valve assemblies, pump assemblies and suitable sensors within the delivery system.
For example, control system 80 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 6, in which the communication between controller 82 and various components of fuel processing and delivery systems is shown. It should be understood that t s communication with all of these components is not required and that the controller may communicate with other components not shown in Fig. 6, as well as enabling communication between components via the control system.
Illustrative examples of sensors that may be used include one or more level and temperature sensors on reservoirs 52, flow meters on the fluid 2o streams, and temperature sensors on heated fluid stream 68. It should be understood that these sensors are but illustrative examples and that a particular embodiment of the system described herein may include some or all of these sensors, as well as including one or more other sensors. Furthermore, the controller may be a separate microprocessor or other suitable device that 2s receives measured values from the delivery system and actuates the system responsively, such as if one or more of the measured values exceed selected thresholds. Similarly, the controller may be directed associated with the sensors, which may include microprocessors adapted to direct a particular operation or operations should the measured variable or value exceed a stored 30 or user-inputted threshold value or range of values.
to Communication may be either one- or two-directional, with the controller receiving information from the communicating unit and/or directing the operation of that unit or another portion of the fuel processing system responsive to the received information. The communication described herein may be via any suitable linkage for sending and/or receiving signals between the associated elements of the system. Any suitable mechanical linkage, or wired or wireless electronic linkage may be used.
By comparing the measured values to user-inputs or stored values, the controller then selectively controls the operation of the delivery to system. For example, if a measured value for a particular variable exceeds (either above or below) a threshold value or range of acceptable values, the controller may responsively actuate one or more components of the delivery system to bring the measured value, or variable, back to an acceptable value.
For example, when the level of fluid in a particular reservoir falls below a t5 selected threshold, such as indicated to controller 82 by a level sensor associated with that reservoir or a flow meter that measures the volume of fluid dispensed from that reservoir, the controller may actuate valve assembly 50 to cause feedstock supply assembly 35 to deliver more of the feedstock to that reservoir. Similarly, the controller may actuate vent assembly 53 to allow the 2o displacement of vapor from the reservoir as the reservoir is filled.
Because the reservoir that had been dispensing feedstock is now being refilled, controller may actuate valve assembly 58 to cause another reservoir to begin dispensing feedstock. Controller 82 may also actuate heating assembly 67, including valve assembly 65 to allocate the supply of heating fluid between the 25 reservoirs.
When a reservoir being filled reaches its selected full volume, as measured for example by a suitable level sensor, the controller 82 will actuate supply assembly 35 to stop the delivery of feedstock to the reservoir and vent assembly 53 to stop the displacement of exhaust vapor from the reservoir.
3o Once the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoir reaches a n selected temperature, such as indicated by a suitable thermocouple or temperature sensor, the controller may actuate heating assembly 67 to change or even stop the delivery of heat to that reservoir. Should the temperature of the feedstock in the reservoir fall below a selected minimum temperature or s exceed a selected maximum temperature, controller 82 would again actuate heating assembly 63 to bring the temperature back to an acceptable value or range of values.
Industrial Applicability The fuel processing system described herein is applicable in any to situation where a volatile carbon-containing feedstock is to be delivered under pressure. It is particularly applicable in steam reforming applications in which hydrogen gas is produced from water and a volatile carbon-containing feedstock.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses 1s multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the 2o various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.
Where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
The following claims recite certain combinations and 2s subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or 3o new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the t2 same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
SYSTEM INCORPORATING THE SAME
Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to fuel processing systems, and more specifically to a delivery system for volatile feedstocks and fuel processing systems including the same.
Background and Summary of the Invention Purified hydrogen is used in the manufacture of many products including metals, edible fats and oils, and semiconductors and microelectronics.
Purified hydrogen is also an important fuel source for many energy conversion devices.
For example, fuel cells use purified hydrogen and an oxidant to produce an electrical potential. A process known as steam reforming produces by chemical reaction hydrogen and certain byproducts or impurities. A subsequent purification process removes the undesirable impurities to provide hydrogen sufficiently purified for application to a fuel cell.
In a steam reforming process, one reacts steam and a carbon-containing compound in the presence of a catalyst. Examples of suitable carbon-containing compounds include, but are not limited to, alcohols (such as methanol or ethanol) and hydrocarbons (such as methane, propane, gasoline or kerosene). Steam reforming requires an elevated operating temperature, e.g., between 250 degrees centigrade and 900 degrees centigrade, and produces primarily hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with lesser quantities of carbon monoxide also being formed. Trace quantities of unreacted reactants and trace quantities of byproducts also can result from steam reforming.
The invented system includes a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a variety of feedstocks. One such fuel processor is a steam reformer, which produces purified hydrogen from a carbon-containing feedstock and water. In the invented system, various mechanisms for supplying a volatile feedstock, such as propane, under pressure to the fuel processor are disclosed. In some embodiments, the fuel processing system includes a fuel cell stack that includes at least one fuel cell adapted ~ECraw a coRRECTtot~
SEE CE~TiFICATE
CO~sRECrio-a - ~,p'TICIE 8 VOIR CER'T1FlCAT
to produce electrical power from air (oxygen) and hydrogen gas produced by the fuel processor.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a volatile feedstock delivery system. The system includes a plurality of heated reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock. The system further includes a delivery system adapted to selectively deliver an output stream containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs, and a heating assembly adapted to heat the plurality of reservoirs.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuel processing system. The system includes a fuel processor adapted to produce a product stream containing hydrogen gas from a feedstock, and a feed assembly adapted to deliver the feedstock at a selected pressure to the fuel processor.
The feed assembly includes a volatile feedstock feed system, which in turn includes a plurality of reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock, and a delivery system including a delivery valve assembly adapted to selectively deliver a feed stream containing volatile carbon-containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs at a pressure at least as great as the selected pressure. The fuel processing system further includes a supply system including a supply valve assembly adapted to selectively fill the reservoirs with the volatile carbon-containing feedstock, and a heating assembly adapted to maintain the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs at or above the selected pressure.
Many other features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description which follows and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which preferred embodiments incorporating the principles of this invention are disclosed as illustrative examples only.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative fuel processing system.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a feed assembly for the fuel processing system of Fig. 1.
SECTlUv E CURR~CT10N _ _ CORRECTIO'd - ARTICt.E 8 VOIR CEfl7lFlCAT
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a feed assembly adapted to deliver a volatile feedstock to a fuel processor.
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a jacketed reservoir according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of another reservoir according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system according to the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a graph showing the vapor pressure of propane as a function of temperature.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and Best Mode of the Invention A schematic example of a fuel processing assembly is shown in Fig. 1 and generally indicated at I0. Assembly 10 includes a feed assembly 12 that is adapted to deliver one or more feed streams 14 to a fuel processor 16. Fuel processor 16 receives the feed streams and produces a product hydrogen stream 18 therefrom. In addition to product hydrogen stream 18, fuel processor 16 generally produces one or more byproduct streams 22. These byproduct streams may be utilized for fuel, heat exchange, or feed. Alternatively, these streams may be harvested for use in other applications.
Fuel processor 16 is a device or assembly of .devices adapted to produce hydrogen gas through any suitable mechanism from a single or multi-component feedstock comprising one or more feed streams. An example of a suitable mechanism for producing hydrogen gas is steam reforming, in which hydrogen gas is produced from a carbon-containing feedstock and water. Examples of suitable steam reforming units are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,861,137 and 5,997,594 and PCT
Publication No. WO 00/22690.
Product hydrogen stream 18 may be stored in a suitable storage device, such as a hydride bed or storage tank, or delivered for use in processes requiring purified hydrogen gas. For example, in Fig. 1, product hydrogen stream 18 is shown being delivered to a fuel cell stack 20. Fuel cell stack 20 includes at least one fuel cell, and S~CTWN d CORRECT10N _3_ SEE CERTIFICATE
YOiR CER1'IFICAT
typically includes multiple fuel cells coupled together. The fuel cell stack receives hydrogen gas from the fuel processor and produces an electric current therefrom as the hydrogen gas is reacted with oxygen to form water. The electric current produced by the fuel cell stack is then used to meet the electric load applied by one or more associated devices, such as vehicles, households, generators, boats, etc.
Examples of suitable fuel cells include proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and alkaline fuel cells.
Fuel processor 16 includes a hydrogen producing region 24, in which a hydrogen containing stream, or mixed gas stream, 26 is produced from the feed streams. The hydrogen-containing stream typically contains impurities, and therefore is delivered to a separation region, or purification region, 28, where the stream is purified. In separation region 28, the hydrogen-containing stream is separated into product hydrogen stream 18 and one or more byproduct streams 22 by any suitable pressure-driven separation process. As an illustrative example, separation region 28 may include a membrane module 30, which contains one or more hydrogen permeable metal membranes, such as those discussed herein. Another example of a suitable pressure-separation process is pressure swing absorption (PSA).
Therefore, region 28 may alternatively include suitable structure for performing pressure swing absorption.
Region 28 may also be referred to as a purification assembly or separation assembly. Purification assembly 28 is in communication with fuel processor 16 and adapted to receive the mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas (and other components) from hydrogen producing region 24. Assembly 28 may be contained within fuel processor 16, such as within the housing of the fuel processor.
Alternatively, region 28 may be mounted on the housing of the fuel processor.
In a further variation, purification assembly 28 may be physically separated from the fuel processor, but still in fluid communication therewith, such as through the use of piping or other fluid transportation lines or mechanisms.
An example of a membrane module formed from a plurality of hydrogen-selective metal membranes is disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,221,117 entitled "Hydrogen Producing Fuel Processing System". In that application, a plurality of generally planar membranes are assembled together into a membrane module having flow SrC-i t:uv ~ CORRECTiDN
SEE GER T IFIGATE
CORRECIIOPd - ARTICLE 8 VOIR CER a IFICAT
channels through which an impure gas stream is delivered to the membranes, a purified gas stream is harvested from the membranes and a byproduct stream is removed from the membranes. Gaskets, such as flexible graphite gaskets, are used to achieve seals around the feed and permeate flow channels.
The thin, planar, hydrogen-permeable membranes are preferably composed of palladium alloys, most especially palladium with 35 wt% to 45 wt% copper.
These membranes are typically formed from a thin foil that is approximately 0.001 inches thick. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, that the membranes may be formed from hydrogen-selective metals and metal alloys other than those discussed above and that the membranes may have thicknesses that are larger or smaller than discussed above. For example, the membrane may be made thinner, with commensurate increase in hydrogen flux, such as by the above-described etching process. The hydrogen-permeable membranes may be arranged in any suitable configuration, such as arranged in pairs around a common permeate channel as is 1 S disclosed in the patent applications referred to herein.
In Fig. 2, an embodiment of feed assembly 12 is shown in more detail. As shown, assembly 12 includes a water delivery system 32 and a volatile feedstock delivery system 34. Each delivery system 32 and 34 includes associated pumps, transportation lines and the like to receive and deliver a stream of the appropriate feedstock to fuel processor 16. The systems may selectively receive the feedstock from an external source, such as by a fluid transportation line 36.
Alternatively, or additionally, the systems may include a reservoir 38 adapted to store a selected volume of the feedstock. The reservoirs 38 may be recharged either by replacing the reservoir with a full reservoir or by refilling the reservoir by any suitable method, such as by using a fluid transportation line connected to an external source.
Systems 32 and 34 SE C r ;~Jy 8 CORRECTION
SEE CERTIFICATE
CORRcC~IO\ - ARTICLE B
VOIR CERTIFlCAT -5-deliver water and carbon-containing feed streams 40 and 42 to fuel processor 16. It should be understood that delivery system 34 may be used to deliver volatile carbon-containing feedstocks for use other than by steam reformers.
As discussed, suitable feedstocks for fuel processing assembly 16 include carbon-containing compounds such as hydrocarbons and alcohols.
Some carbon-containing feedstocks are volatile. Examples of volatile hydrocarbon feedstocks include propane, butane, propylene, butylene and mixtures thereof, such as LPG.
In Fig. 3, a delivery system 34 for a volatile carbon-containing to feedstock is shown. System 34 is adapted to deliver stream 42 to fuel processor 16 at an elevated pressure. Steam reforming at elevated pressure is necessary to the integrated hydrogen-purification method that is based upon a hydrogen-selective membrane or other suitable pressure-driven separation process. In particular, it is preferable that steam reforming be conducted at t5 psig to 300 psig. Although propane is commonly stored as a compressed liquified gas, the vapor pressure of propane is very dependent on the temperature of the liquified gas. For instance, the vapor pressure curve of propane as a function of temperature is shown in Fig. 7. As shown, at 0° F the vapor pressure of propane is about 29 psig, whereas at 70° F the vapor pressure 2o is 110 psig and at 130° F the vapor pressure is 258 psig (Handbook of Compressed Gases, 3~'~ Edition, pp. 450-451). This large variability in the vapor pressure of propane as a function of temperature presents difficulty in admitting propane into the steam-reforming region of the fuel processor at a specific elevated pressure within the range of 100 psig to 300 psig, or other z5 pressure range at which the pressurized volatile feedstock will be used.
As shown in Fig.3, system 34 includes a volatile feedstock supply assembly 35 that provides a source of a volatile, carbon-containing feedstock for use in delivery system 34. Supply assembly is shown including a primary reservoir 38 that is charged with a volume of a volatile carbon-3o containing feedstock 44, such as those described above. Reservoir 38 may be recharged through any suitable mechanism, including refill by a supply line 36 connected to an external source, by replacement with a full reservoir, and by delivery of a volume of feedstock to refill the reservoir. It is within the scope of the invention that delivery system 34 may be implemented without reservoir s 38, such as when the delivery system is in communication with an external supply of feedstock.
In the subsequent discussion, system 34 will be described as a propane delivery system, however, it should be understood that the system may be used with any suitable volatile feedstock. A pump 46 draws a stream 48 of to propane from primary reservoir 38 and delivers the stream in alternating fashion via feed valve assembly 50 to a plurality of heated supply reservoirs 52, each of which is adapted to store a volume of propane 54. For purposes of illustration, two supply reservoirs 52a and 52b are shown. It should be understood that additional reservoirs 52 may be used. Furthermore, a single ~s reservoir 52 may be used, however, in such an embodiment the delivery of feedstock by system 34 will be intermittent as the reservoir is recharged and if necessary, heated. In embodiments of the delivery system where pressurized feedstock is available from an external supply, pump 46 may be omitted.
Liquid propane stored within supply reservoirs 52a and 52b is 2o heated to raise the vapor pressure of the propane to a sufficiently high pressure to supply liquid propane directly to the fuel processor at the desired operating pressure. For instance, raising the temperature of the liquid propane within the supply reservoir to 60° C ( 140° F) will cause the propane vapor pressure to increase to 300 psig.
2s Propane supply reservoirs 52a and 52b are preferably optimized such that while one supply reservoir is supplying pressurized liquid propane to the fuel processor the other supply reservoir is being refilled from the master storage reservoir 38. Thus, feed valve assembly 50 properly directs propane to the supply reservoir that requires filling. Valve assembly 50 may include any 3o suitable number and type of valve, or structure for controlling fluid flow.
An example of a suitable valve assembly 50 is a three-way valve. When a particular supply reservoir 52 is filled, an exhaust vent assembly 53, such as valve 56, is opened to allow the displaced vapor from the supply reservoir to return to the master storage reservoir 38 via transportation lines 55.
Preferably, s valve 56 is opened only during the filling operation. In embodiments of delivery system 34 that do not include reservoir 38, the vent assembly may vent the vapor to the atmosphere or communicate with suitable transportation lines to transport the vapor to another suitable location for storage, combustion or use.
It should be understood that the time required for a reservoir to dispense its supply of feedstock may not necessarily correspond to the time required to fill the reservoir. Therefore, there may be times that one reservoir is dispensing feedstock and another reservoir is filled with preheated feedstock, which is ready to be dispensed after the currently dispensing reservoir is 15 depleted of available feedstock.
A downstream, or delivery, valve assembly 58, such as another three-way valve, directs the flow of pressurized liquid propane from the appropriate supply reservoir 52 to the fuel processor as stream 42.
Preferably, valve assemblies 50 and 58 operate in unison to ensure that one supply 2o reservoir is being refilled while the other is providing propane stream 42 to the fuel processor. As discussed above, however, there may be times when the reservoir supplying propane (or another volatile carbon-containing feedstock) to the fuel processor still has a volume of propane to be supplied even though the other reservoir is already refilled and preheated.
25 As discussed, supply reservoirs 52 are maintained at elevated temperatures. The necessary heat energy required to heat the liquid propane within the supply reservoir is obtained from any suitable heat source. For example, system 34 may include a heating assembly 67 adapted to heat the reservoirs to a desired temperature. Heating assembly 67 may include a heated 3o fluid stream 68 that heats the reservoirs through heat exchange. As shown, s stream 68 passes through conduits 71 in reservoirs 52. In Fig. 3, a heating valve assembly 64, such as another three-way valve 65 is shown adapted to direct stream 68 between the two supply reservoirs so that only the reservoir that is providing propane to the fuel processor is being heated.
Alternatively, s the valve assembly may selectively apportion the heating fluid stream between the reservoirs, such as to maintain the dispensing reservoir at a desired delivery temperature while also providing heat to another reservoir to preheat the feedstock being supplied to the reservoir. Stream 68 may form part of a cooling fluid loop 70, in which case the stream is returned via stream 72 for to reheating after heat exchange with one or more of reservoirs 52.
Alternatively, the stream may be exhausted or sent to a downstream device for disposal, use, storage or the like.
An example of a suitable heating fluid stream 68 is a heated cooling fluid stream discharged from fuel cell stack 20. This stream, which ~ s typically contains water, is often obtained at 60° C by virtue of the operating characteristics of many fuel cells. After transfernng heat to the propane supply reservoir, stream 68 is returned to the fuel-cell cooling loop. Using the fuel-cell cooling fluid in this manner to heat the propane in the supply reservoir has the added benefit in that the vaporizing propane serves to remove heat from the 2o fuel-cell cooling fluid. Preferably, the supply reservoir is not heated during the refilling operation to minimize the heat that pump 46 must work against to refill the supply reservoirs.
Another suitable heating stream 68 is a heated exhaust stream from fuel processor 16. While stream 68 is shown in Fig. 3 passing through 2s reservoirs 52, it is within the scope of the present invention that stream 68 may alternatively be delivered to a shell, or jacket, 74 that at least partially, or completely, surrounds one or more of the reservoirs, such as shown in Fig. 4.
Other sources of heat can also serve to heat the propane within the supply reservoirs. For instance, electric resistance heaters, burners and the exhaust 3o stream from a combustion chamber or combustion unit may be used.
Resistance heaters may heat the exterior of the reservoirs, and/or include one or more heating rods that extend into the reservoirs. Schematically illustrated in Fig. 5 is a reservoir 52 being heating by an electric resistance heater 75 that includes one or more heating rods 77 that extend into the reservoir. The s number and configuration of the rods may vary, and alternatively, the resistance heater may heat the shell of reservoir as opposed to heating the fluid within the reservoir directly.
Delivery system 34 may further include a control system 80 adapted to control the operation of the volatile feedstock delivery system.
to Control system 80 includes a controller 82 that communicates with the valve assemblies, pump assemblies and suitable sensors within the delivery system.
For example, control system 80 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 6, in which the communication between controller 82 and various components of fuel processing and delivery systems is shown. It should be understood that t s communication with all of these components is not required and that the controller may communicate with other components not shown in Fig. 6, as well as enabling communication between components via the control system.
Illustrative examples of sensors that may be used include one or more level and temperature sensors on reservoirs 52, flow meters on the fluid 2o streams, and temperature sensors on heated fluid stream 68. It should be understood that these sensors are but illustrative examples and that a particular embodiment of the system described herein may include some or all of these sensors, as well as including one or more other sensors. Furthermore, the controller may be a separate microprocessor or other suitable device that 2s receives measured values from the delivery system and actuates the system responsively, such as if one or more of the measured values exceed selected thresholds. Similarly, the controller may be directed associated with the sensors, which may include microprocessors adapted to direct a particular operation or operations should the measured variable or value exceed a stored 30 or user-inputted threshold value or range of values.
to Communication may be either one- or two-directional, with the controller receiving information from the communicating unit and/or directing the operation of that unit or another portion of the fuel processing system responsive to the received information. The communication described herein may be via any suitable linkage for sending and/or receiving signals between the associated elements of the system. Any suitable mechanical linkage, or wired or wireless electronic linkage may be used.
By comparing the measured values to user-inputs or stored values, the controller then selectively controls the operation of the delivery to system. For example, if a measured value for a particular variable exceeds (either above or below) a threshold value or range of acceptable values, the controller may responsively actuate one or more components of the delivery system to bring the measured value, or variable, back to an acceptable value.
For example, when the level of fluid in a particular reservoir falls below a t5 selected threshold, such as indicated to controller 82 by a level sensor associated with that reservoir or a flow meter that measures the volume of fluid dispensed from that reservoir, the controller may actuate valve assembly 50 to cause feedstock supply assembly 35 to deliver more of the feedstock to that reservoir. Similarly, the controller may actuate vent assembly 53 to allow the 2o displacement of vapor from the reservoir as the reservoir is filled.
Because the reservoir that had been dispensing feedstock is now being refilled, controller may actuate valve assembly 58 to cause another reservoir to begin dispensing feedstock. Controller 82 may also actuate heating assembly 67, including valve assembly 65 to allocate the supply of heating fluid between the 25 reservoirs.
When a reservoir being filled reaches its selected full volume, as measured for example by a suitable level sensor, the controller 82 will actuate supply assembly 35 to stop the delivery of feedstock to the reservoir and vent assembly 53 to stop the displacement of exhaust vapor from the reservoir.
3o Once the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoir reaches a n selected temperature, such as indicated by a suitable thermocouple or temperature sensor, the controller may actuate heating assembly 67 to change or even stop the delivery of heat to that reservoir. Should the temperature of the feedstock in the reservoir fall below a selected minimum temperature or s exceed a selected maximum temperature, controller 82 would again actuate heating assembly 63 to bring the temperature back to an acceptable value or range of values.
Industrial Applicability The fuel processing system described herein is applicable in any to situation where a volatile carbon-containing feedstock is to be delivered under pressure. It is particularly applicable in steam reforming applications in which hydrogen gas is produced from water and a volatile carbon-containing feedstock.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses 1s multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the 2o various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein.
Where the claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
The following claims recite certain combinations and 2s subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or 3o new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the t2 same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
Claims (53)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A volatile feedstock delivery system, comprising:
a plurality of heated reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
a delivery system adapted to selectively deliver an output stream containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs; and a heating assembly adapted to heat the plurality of reservoirs.
a plurality of heated reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
a delivery system adapted to selectively deliver an output stream containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs; and a heating assembly adapted to heat the plurality of reservoirs.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat the reservoirs by heat exchange with a heated fluid stream.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to selectively apportion the heated fluid stream between the plurality of reservoirs.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to selectively apportion the heated fluid stream between the plurality of reservoirs to control the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes at least one electric resistance heater adapted to heat the reservoirs.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes a burner adapted to produce an exhaust stream, and further wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat the reservoirs through heat exchange with the exhaust stream from the burner.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the reservoirs includes at least one conduit extending into the reservoirs through which a heated fluid stream may flow.
8 The system of claim 7, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat at least one of the reservoirs by passing a heated fluid stream through the at least one conduit.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the reservoirs includes a shell at least partially surrounding the reservoir and spaced-apart from that reservoir to define a cavity, and further wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat the at least one of the reservoirs by delivering a heated fluid stream to the cavity.
10. The system of claim 1, further including a supply assembly adapted to selectively deliver the volatile carbon-containing feedstock to the plurality of reservoirs.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the supply assembly includes a vent assembly in communication with each of the plurality of reservoirs, and further wherein the vent assembly is adapted to selectively vent the corresponding reservoir when the supply assembly delivers the volatile carbon-containing feedstock to the reservoir.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the vent assembly is disposed to prevent venting of each of the reservoirs except when the supply assembly is delivering the volatile carbon-containing feedstock to the reservoirs.
13. The system of claim 1, further including a supply assembly adapted to deliver the volatile carbon-containing feedstock to the reservoirs.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the supply assembly includes a supply reservoir adapted to store a volume of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock for selective delivery to the plurality of reservoirs.
15. The system of claim 1, further including a control system adapted to control the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the control system is adapted to control the operation of the heating assembly.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the control system is adapted to control the reservoir from which the delivery system draws the output stream.
18. The system of claim 1, further including a fuel processor adapted to receive the output stream and to produce a product stream containing hydrogen gas therefrom.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the fuel processor includes a steam reformer.
20. The system of claim 18, further including a fuel cell stack adapted to receive the product stream and including at least one fuel cell adapted to produce electrical power therefrom.
21. A fuel processing system, comprising:
a fuel processor adapted to produce a product stream containing hydrogen gas from a feedstock;
a feed assembly adapted to deliver the feedstock at a selected pressure to the fuel processor, wherein the feed assembly includes a volatile feedstock feed system, comprising:
a plurality of reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
a delivery system including a delivery valve assembly adapted to selectively deliver a feed stream containing volatile carbon-containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs at a pressure at least as great as the selected pressure;
a supply system including a supply valve assembly adapted to selectively fill the reservoirs with the volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
and a heating assembly adapted to selectively heat the plurality of reservoirs to maintain the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs at or above the selected pressure.
a fuel processor adapted to produce a product stream containing hydrogen gas from a feedstock;
a feed assembly adapted to deliver the feedstock at a selected pressure to the fuel processor, wherein the feed assembly includes a volatile feedstock feed system, comprising:
a plurality of reservoirs adapted to receive and store under pressure a volume of a volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
a delivery system including a delivery valve assembly adapted to selectively deliver a feed stream containing volatile carbon-containing feedstock from a selected one of the reservoirs at a pressure at least as great as the selected pressure;
a supply system including a supply valve assembly adapted to selectively fill the reservoirs with the volatile carbon-containing feedstock;
and a heating assembly adapted to selectively heat the plurality of reservoirs to maintain the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs at or above the selected pressure.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the supply and delivery valve assemblies are adapted to selectively deliver volatile carbon-containing feedstock from one of the reservoirs while supplying volatile carbon-containing feedstock to another one of the reservoirs.
23. The system of claim 21, further including a fuel cell stack adapted to receive the product stream and including at least one fuel cell adapted to produce electrical power therefrom.
24. The system of claim 21, further including a control system adapted to control the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the feed stream.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system is adapted to control the operation of the heating assembly to control the temperature of the reservoirs.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system is adapted to control the operation of the supply system to control the volume of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system is adapted to control the operation of the delivery system to control the delivery of the feed stream.
28. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system includes a controller in communication with a sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor adapted to measure an operating parameter of the feed system.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the sensor assembly includes temperature sensors adapted to measure the temperature in the reservoirs.
30. The system of claim 28, wherein the sensor assembly includes level sensors adapted to measure the volume of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein the sensor assembly includes pressure sensors adapted to measure the pressure of the volatile carbon-containing feedstock in the reservoirs.
32. The system of claim 1, wherein the carbon-containing feedstock is gaseous at ambient temperatures and pressures.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the selected pressure is sufficiently high that the volatile carbon-containing feedstock stored in the reservoirs includes a liquid phase.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the selected pressure is at least 100 psig.
35. The system of claim 33, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat the reservoirs to a temperature such that the vapor pressure of the carbon-containing feedstock is in the range of approximately 100-300 psig.
36. The system of claim 1, wherein the carbon-containing feedstock includes at least one of propane, butane, propylene, butylene.
37. The system of claim 1, wherein the output stream is at least substantially a liquid stream.
38. The system of claim 1, wherein the output stream is a liquid stream.
39. The system of claim 15, wherein the control system includes a controller and a sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor adapted to measure a value of an operating parameter of the delivery system.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
41. The system of claim 39, wherein the controller is adapted to control the operation of the feed system responsive at least in part to inputs from the sensor assembly.
42. The system of claim 39, wherein the controller is in communication with the sensor assembly and is adapted to compare the measured value with at least one of a stored value and a user input and to control the operating of the delivery system at least partially in response thereto.
43. The system of claim 21, wherein the carbon-containing feedstock is gaseous at ambient temperatures and pressures.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the selected pressure is sufficiently high that the volatile carbon-containing feedstock stored in the reservoirs includes a liquid phase.
45. The system of claim 44, wherein the selected pressure is at least 100 psig.
46. The system of claim 44, wherein the heating assembly is adapted to heat the reservoirs to a temperature such that the vapor pressure of the carbon-containing feedstock is in the range of approximately 100-300 psig.
47. The system of claim 21, wherein the carbon-containing feedstock includes at least one of propane, butane, propylene, butylene.
48. The system of claim 21, wherein the feed stream is at least substantially a liquid stream.
49. The system of claim 21, wherein the feed stream is a liquid stream.
50. The system of claim 24, wherein the control system includes a controller and a sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor adapted to measure a value of an operating parameter of the feed assembly.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor.
52. The system of claim 50, wherein the controller is adapted to control the operation of the feed assembly responsive at least in part to ruts from the sensor assembly.
53. The system of claim 50, wherein the controller is in communication with the sensor assembly and is adapted to compare the measured value with at least one of a stored value and a user input and to control the operating of the feed assembly at least partially in response thereto.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14852199P | 1999-08-12 | 1999-08-12 | |
US60/148,521 | 1999-08-12 | ||
US09/636,814 US7135048B1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-08-10 | Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same |
US09/636,814 | 2000-08-10 | ||
PCT/US2000/022057 WO2001012539A1 (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-08-11 | Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2371657A1 CA2371657A1 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
CA2371657C true CA2371657C (en) | 2003-10-14 |
Family
ID=26845943
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002371657A Expired - Fee Related CA2371657C (en) | 1999-08-12 | 2000-08-11 | Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7135048B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1235742A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3857137B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU6766700A (en) |
BR (1) | BR0013205A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2371657C (en) |
HK (1) | HK1051354A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02000995A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001012539A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6890672B2 (en) * | 2001-06-26 | 2005-05-10 | Idatech, Llc | Fuel processor feedstock delivery system |
BR0206966A (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2004-03-09 | Accentus Plc | Steam / methane reforming process to generate carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and methane processing plant |
JP2004018363A (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2004-01-22 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Apparatus for fuel reforming |
MXPA05013888A (en) | 2003-06-20 | 2007-01-26 | Ford Motor Co | Device and method for reforming a voc gas. |
JP2005090554A (en) * | 2003-09-12 | 2005-04-07 | Kagla Inbest Corp | System for transferring and filling liquefied gas |
CA2663967C (en) * | 2004-10-31 | 2010-07-20 | Idatech, Llc | Hydrogen generation and energy production assemblies |
ES2482791T3 (en) | 2005-09-16 | 2014-08-04 | Dcns Sa | Raw material supply system of self-regulated feed and hydrogen generator fuel processing assembly incorporating the same |
US8449649B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2013-05-28 | Idatech, Llc | Systems and methods for starting up pressure swing adsorption assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems including the same |
US8920996B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2014-12-30 | Dcns | Systems and methods for regulating fuel cell air flow during low loads or cold temperature operation |
US9683702B2 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2017-06-20 | Korea Advanced Institute Of Science And Technology | Apparatus for pressurizing delivery of low-temperature liquefied material |
US8920732B2 (en) | 2011-02-15 | 2014-12-30 | Dcns | Systems and methods for actively controlling steam-to-carbon ratio in hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems |
US8961627B2 (en) | 2011-07-07 | 2015-02-24 | David J Edlund | Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices |
US9187324B2 (en) | 2012-08-30 | 2015-11-17 | Element 1 Corp. | Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices |
US11738305B2 (en) | 2012-08-30 | 2023-08-29 | Element 1 Corp | Hydrogen purification devices |
US10717040B2 (en) | 2012-08-30 | 2020-07-21 | Element 1 Corp. | Hydrogen purification devices |
US20140065020A1 (en) | 2012-08-30 | 2014-03-06 | David J. Edlund | Hydrogen generation assemblies |
US9752728B2 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2017-09-05 | General Electric Company | Cryogenic tank assembly |
CA2958748C (en) * | 2014-08-19 | 2023-04-04 | WATT Fuel Cell Corp | Multi-reformable fuel delivery systems and methods for fuel cells |
MX2017003491A (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2017-07-28 | Malcolm Moffitt Roy Jr | Refueling system and method for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment. |
US10106396B1 (en) | 2014-09-16 | 2018-10-23 | Roy Malcolm Moffitt, Jr. | Refueling method for supplying fuel to fracturing equipment |
US9605224B2 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2017-03-28 | Element 1 Corp. | Refining assemblies and refining methods for rich natural gas |
US9828561B2 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2017-11-28 | Element 1 Corp. | Refining assemblies and refining methods for rich natural gas |
US9777237B2 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2017-10-03 | Element 1 Corp. | Refining assemblies and refining methods for rich natural gas |
US10476093B2 (en) | 2016-04-15 | 2019-11-12 | Chung-Hsin Electric & Machinery Mfg. Corp. | Membrane modules for hydrogen separation and fuel processors and fuel cell systems including the same |
EP3580800A4 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2021-01-27 | ESS Tech, Inc. | Integrated hydrogen recycle system using pressurized multichamber tank |
US10870810B2 (en) | 2017-07-20 | 2020-12-22 | Proteum Energy, Llc | Method and system for converting associated gas |
KR20210057559A (en) * | 2019-11-12 | 2021-05-21 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Reforming System Linked to Raw Material Gas Vaporization System |
US11618676B2 (en) | 2020-10-23 | 2023-04-04 | H2 Powertech, Llc | Systems and methods for increasing the hydrogen permeance of hydrogen-separation membranes in situ |
US11712655B2 (en) | 2020-11-30 | 2023-08-01 | H2 Powertech, Llc | Membrane-based hydrogen purifiers |
Family Cites Families (88)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2551501A (en) * | 1946-12-19 | 1951-05-01 | Mitchell Co John E | Vaporizer for fuel gases |
US3094391A (en) | 1960-04-22 | 1963-06-18 | Kellogg M W Co | Hydrocarbon conversion |
US3144312A (en) | 1961-06-06 | 1964-08-11 | Mertens Carl | Catalytic conversion plant for the continuous generation of gases of any kind out of ydrocarbons |
US3338681A (en) | 1963-12-18 | 1967-08-29 | Union Carbide Corp | Apparatus for hydrogen generation |
US3350176A (en) | 1964-03-24 | 1967-10-31 | Engelhard Ind Inc | Hydrogen generator |
US3450500A (en) | 1965-08-03 | 1969-06-17 | United Aircraft Corp | Method for catalytically reforming hydrogen-containing carbonaceous feed-stocks by simultaneous abstractions through a membrane selectively permeable to hydrogen |
US3524819A (en) | 1967-03-03 | 1970-08-18 | Lummus Co | Steam reforming of hydrocarbons |
US3469944A (en) | 1968-05-13 | 1969-09-30 | Joseph P Bocard | Process and apparatus for the manufacture of hydrogen for fuel cells |
US3668235A (en) | 1969-12-24 | 1972-06-06 | Teijin Ltd | Process for drying bis-({62 -hydroxyethyl) terephthalate |
AT325082B (en) | 1970-01-04 | 1975-10-10 | Vnii Prirodnykh Gazov | REFORMER FOR HEATING A RADIANT FURNACE AND OPERATION OF THIS REFORMER |
US3782904A (en) | 1971-10-07 | 1974-01-01 | Nasa | Compact hydrogenator |
US3955941A (en) | 1973-08-20 | 1976-05-11 | California Institute Of Technology | Hydrogen rich gas generator |
US3920416A (en) | 1973-12-26 | 1975-11-18 | California Inst Of Techn | Hydrogen-rich gas generator |
US3982910A (en) | 1974-07-10 | 1976-09-28 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Hydrogen-rich gas generator |
US4127393A (en) | 1975-01-13 | 1978-11-28 | British Gas Corporation | Method and apparatus for vaporizing hydrocarbon based liquids |
US4072625A (en) | 1975-03-03 | 1978-02-07 | Imperial Chemical Industries Limited | Steam-hydrocarbon process |
US4003343A (en) | 1975-04-04 | 1977-01-18 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a device for reducing engine exhaust pollutants |
US4027495A (en) * | 1975-07-22 | 1977-06-07 | Edwards Engineering Corporation | Vapor recovery system for volatile liquids and vapor condensing apparatus for use therein |
US4302177A (en) | 1976-03-26 | 1981-11-24 | The M. W. Kellogg Company | Fuel conversion apparatus and method |
FR2380968A2 (en) | 1976-12-13 | 1978-09-15 | Inst Francais Du Petrole | Recovery of products esp. oil unsuitable for pumping - by injecting hot water and extracting products with the aqueous phase |
US4098960A (en) | 1976-12-27 | 1978-07-04 | United Technologies Corporation | Fuel cell fuel control system |
US4098959A (en) | 1976-12-27 | 1978-07-04 | United Technologies Corporation | Fuel cell fuel control system |
US4567857A (en) | 1980-02-26 | 1986-02-04 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Combustion engine system |
GB2072216A (en) | 1980-03-18 | 1981-09-30 | British Gas Corp | Treatment of hydrocarbon feedstocks |
US4387434A (en) | 1980-10-24 | 1983-06-07 | Process Technologies, Inc. | Intelligent field interface device for fluid storage facility |
US4315893A (en) | 1980-12-17 | 1982-02-16 | Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation | Reformer employing finned heat pipes |
US4430304A (en) | 1981-11-13 | 1984-02-07 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Slab reformer |
US4504447A (en) | 1981-11-13 | 1985-03-12 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Slab reformer |
US4466253A (en) | 1982-12-23 | 1984-08-21 | General Electric Company | Flow control at flash tank of open cycle vapor compression heat pumps |
US4472176A (en) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-09-18 | Resource Systems, Inc. | Apparatus and method for the production of pure hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing crude gas |
DE3424208A1 (en) | 1984-06-30 | 1986-01-16 | Kernforschungsanlage Jülich GmbH, 5170 Jülich | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INCREASING THE SALES OF GAS REACTIONS PROCESSING WITH HYDROGEN PRODUCTION |
US4533607A (en) | 1984-12-06 | 1985-08-06 | United Technologies Corporation | Process for removing electrolyte vapor from fuel cell exhaust gas |
JPS61233976A (en) | 1985-04-10 | 1986-10-18 | Fuji Electric Co Ltd | Fuel cell facility |
JPS61236601A (en) | 1985-04-10 | 1986-10-21 | Hitachi Ltd | Steam reforming apparatus |
US4670359A (en) | 1985-06-10 | 1987-06-02 | Engelhard Corporation | Fuel cell integrated with steam reformer |
EP0254395B1 (en) | 1986-05-27 | 1990-11-22 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Method of starting a process for the production of a gas stream containing hydrogen and carbon oxides |
US4684581A (en) | 1986-07-10 | 1987-08-04 | Struthers Ralph C | Hydrogen diffusion fuel cell |
US4729931A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1988-03-08 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Reforming of fuel inside fuel cell generator |
JPH0642940B2 (en) | 1987-03-31 | 1994-06-08 | 東洋エンジニアリング株式会社 | Device for gas endothermic reaction |
EP0334540B1 (en) | 1988-03-24 | 1993-10-20 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Two-step steam-reforming process |
US4880040A (en) | 1988-09-16 | 1989-11-14 | Raymond Pierson | Liquid petroleum confinement system |
USRE35002E (en) | 1988-10-28 | 1995-07-25 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell system |
US5409046A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1995-04-25 | Swenson; Paul F. | System for fast-filling compressed natural gas powered vehicles |
US4981676A (en) | 1989-11-13 | 1991-01-01 | Minet Ronald G | Catalytic ceramic membrane steam/hydrocarbon reformer |
US5229102A (en) | 1989-11-13 | 1993-07-20 | Medalert, Inc. | Catalytic ceramic membrane steam-hydrocarbon reformer |
US5354547A (en) | 1989-11-14 | 1994-10-11 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Hydrogen recovery by adsorbent membranes |
DE4032993C1 (en) | 1990-10-15 | 1992-05-07 | Mannesmann Ag, 4000 Duesseldorf, De | |
CA2096724C (en) | 1990-11-23 | 1999-01-05 | Ian Palmer | Application of fuel cells to power generation systems |
US5382271A (en) | 1991-12-26 | 1995-01-17 | Industrial Technology Research Institute | Hydrogen generator |
US5527632A (en) | 1992-07-01 | 1996-06-18 | Rolls-Royce And Associates Limited | Hydrocarbon fuelled fuel cell power system |
CA2081170C (en) | 1992-10-22 | 2002-12-24 | Alaa-Eldin Moustafa Adris | Fluidized bed reaction system for steam/hydrocarbon gas reforming to produce hydrogen |
GB9225188D0 (en) | 1992-12-02 | 1993-01-20 | Rolls Royce & Ass | Combined reformer and shift reactor |
CA2118956C (en) | 1993-03-16 | 1998-08-25 | Yoshinori Shirasaki | Hydrogen producing apparatus |
US5399323A (en) | 1993-05-11 | 1995-03-21 | Gas Research Institute | Method for improving reducing potential of natural gas feed |
JPH07315801A (en) | 1994-05-23 | 1995-12-05 | Ngk Insulators Ltd | System for producing high-purity hydrogen, production of high-purity hydrogen and fuel cell system |
JP3564742B2 (en) | 1994-07-13 | 2004-09-15 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Fuel cell power generator |
JPH0869808A (en) | 1994-08-30 | 1996-03-12 | Toyota Motor Corp | Reformer and fuel cell system |
US5540208A (en) * | 1994-09-13 | 1996-07-30 | Nabco Limited | Liquefied gas fuel supply system |
JPH08106914A (en) | 1994-09-30 | 1996-04-23 | Aisin Aw Co Ltd | Fuel cell power generating system |
JP3453954B2 (en) | 1994-11-02 | 2003-10-06 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Carbon monoxide detector, organic compound detector and lower alcohol detector |
US5888273A (en) | 1996-09-25 | 1999-03-30 | Buxbaum; Robert E. | High temperature gas purification system |
US5637259A (en) | 1995-12-04 | 1997-06-10 | Natural Resources Canada | Process for producing syngas and hydrogen from natural gas using a membrane reactor |
GB9600124D0 (en) | 1996-01-04 | 1996-03-06 | Secr Defence | Elastomers |
US5741605A (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1998-04-21 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Solid oxide fuel cell generator with removable modular fuel cell stack configurations |
US5858314A (en) | 1996-04-12 | 1999-01-12 | Ztek Corporation | Thermally enhanced compact reformer |
CA2259396C (en) * | 1996-07-02 | 2003-08-19 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Fuel-cell power generating system |
EP0818840B1 (en) | 1996-07-11 | 2002-04-03 | Sulzer Hexis AG | Process for generating simultaneously electrical energy and heat for heating purposes |
US5861137A (en) | 1996-10-30 | 1999-01-19 | Edlund; David J. | Steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification |
US5997594A (en) | 1996-10-30 | 1999-12-07 | Northwest Power Systems, Llc | Steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification |
US6221117B1 (en) | 1996-10-30 | 2001-04-24 | Idatech, Llc | Hydrogen producing fuel processing system |
US6376113B1 (en) * | 1998-11-12 | 2002-04-23 | Idatech, Llc | Integrated fuel cell system |
KR100209989B1 (en) | 1996-12-23 | 1999-07-15 | 남창우 | Apparatus for generation of hydrogen |
DE19707814C1 (en) | 1997-02-27 | 1998-08-20 | Dbb Fuel Cell Engines Gmbh | Fuel cell power plant |
JPH10330101A (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-12-15 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Hydrogen-manufacturing apparatus and method therefor |
US5938800A (en) * | 1997-11-13 | 1999-08-17 | Mcdermott Technology, Inc. | Compact multi-fuel steam reformer |
US6077620A (en) | 1997-11-26 | 2000-06-20 | General Motors Corporation | Fuel cell system with combustor-heated reformer |
US6348278B1 (en) | 1998-06-09 | 2002-02-19 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Method and system for supplying hydrogen for use in fuel cells |
US6007931A (en) | 1998-06-24 | 1999-12-28 | International Fuel Cells Corporation | Mass and heat recovery system for a fuel cell power plant |
US6045772A (en) | 1998-08-19 | 2000-04-04 | International Fuel Cells, Llc | Method and apparatus for injecting a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into a fuel cell power plant reformer |
US5985474A (en) | 1998-08-26 | 1999-11-16 | Plug Power, L.L.C. | Integrated full processor, furnace, and fuel cell system for providing heat and electrical power to a building |
US6190623B1 (en) | 1999-06-18 | 2001-02-20 | Uop Llc | Apparatus for providing a pure hydrogen stream for use with fuel cells |
JP2001015142A (en) | 1999-06-30 | 2001-01-19 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Running method of fuel-cell vehicle and fuel-cell vehicle |
US6375906B1 (en) * | 1999-08-12 | 2002-04-23 | Idatech, Llc | Steam reforming method and apparatus incorporating a hydrocarbon feedstock |
US6242120B1 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2001-06-05 | Idatech, Llc | System and method for optimizing fuel cell purge cycles |
US6305442B1 (en) * | 1999-11-06 | 2001-10-23 | Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. | Hydrogen-based ecosystem |
US6619333B2 (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2003-09-16 | Richard Allan Swanson | Apparatus and method for using the existing hydrocarbon distribution, storage and dispensing infrastructures for the production, distribution and dispensing of hydrogen |
US6745799B1 (en) * | 2002-12-16 | 2004-06-08 | Relion, Inc. | Method for delivering a gas |
US6792981B1 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2004-09-21 | Praxair Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus for filling a pressure vessel having application to vehicle fueling |
-
2000
- 2000-08-10 US US09/636,814 patent/US7135048B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-08-11 CA CA002371657A patent/CA2371657C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-08-11 BR BR0013205-5A patent/BR0013205A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-08-11 AU AU67667/00A patent/AU6766700A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-08-11 MX MXPA02000995A patent/MXPA02000995A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-08-11 JP JP2001516844A patent/JP3857137B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-08-11 EP EP00955463A patent/EP1235742A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-08-11 WO PCT/US2000/022057 patent/WO2001012539A1/en active Search and Examination
-
2003
- 2003-03-04 HK HK03101611.4A patent/HK1051354A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2003507290A (en) | 2003-02-25 |
EP1235742A4 (en) | 2005-04-06 |
JP3857137B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
WO2001012539A1 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
BR0013205A (en) | 2002-07-09 |
HK1051354A1 (en) | 2003-08-01 |
EP1235742A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 |
AU6766700A (en) | 2001-03-13 |
MXPA02000995A (en) | 2002-08-12 |
CA2371657A1 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
US7135048B1 (en) | 2006-11-14 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2371657C (en) | Volatile feedstock delivery system and fuel processing system incorporating the same | |
US7005113B2 (en) | Steam reforming method and apparatus incorporating a hydrocarbon feedstock | |
US7736596B2 (en) | Self-regulating feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-generating fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems incorporating the same | |
US9914641B2 (en) | Hydrogen generation assemblies | |
US20210162335A1 (en) | Hydrogen generation assemblies | |
US7939051B2 (en) | Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies, heating assemblies, and methods of operating the same | |
TW538555B (en) | Fuel cell system with stored hydrogen | |
KR101508803B1 (en) | Fuel cell system and method of load following operation of the same | |
JP5078698B2 (en) | Load following operation method of fuel cell system | |
KR102473472B1 (en) | Multi-reformable fuel delivery systems and methods for fuel cells | |
JP5078697B2 (en) | Load following operation method of fuel cell system | |
US6887602B2 (en) | Rapid response fuel cell system | |
JP5433323B2 (en) | Load following operation method of fuel cell system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |