초록 ▼

A partial oxidation reformer comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and conv

A partial oxidation reformer comprising a longitudinally extending chamber having a methanol, water and an air inlet and an outlet. An igniter mechanism is near the inlets for igniting a mixture of methanol and air, while a partial oxidation catalyst in the chamber is spaced from the inlets and converts methanol and oxygen to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Controlling the oxygen to methanol mole ratio provides continuous slightly exothermic partial oxidation reactions of methanol and air producing hydrogen gas. The liquid is preferably injected in droplets having diameters less than 100 micrometers. The reformer is useful in a propulsion system for a vehicle which supplies a hydrogen-containing gas to the negative electrode of a fuel cell.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A propulsion system for a vehicle comprising a fuel cell having, a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by an electrolyte, mechanism for forming methanol droplets

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A propulsion system for a vehicle comprising a fuel cell having, a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by an electrolyte, mechanism for forming methanol droplets of less than about 50 micrometers in diameter with or without water, means for partially oxidizing methanol droplets of less than about 50 micrometers in diameter with or without water in a mixture containing methanol droplets and air in the presence of an oxide catalyst in an overall exothermic reaction continuously to produce a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature less than about 500.degree. C., means for delivering said hydrogen-containing gas to said negative electrode of said fuel cell, and means for delivering air to said positive electrode of said fuel cell to produce d.c. power for operating an electric motor in a vehicle.