초록 ▼

A shift reaction section 32 is designed to have a maximum capacity of about 40% of the maximum capacity of reforming section 30. When hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to the shift reaction section 32 in excess of its maximum capacity, a blower 46 supplies air to the hydrogen-rich gas in an amount corre

A shift reaction section 32 is designed to have a maximum capacity of about 40% of the maximum capacity of reforming section 30. When hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to the shift reaction section 32 in excess of its maximum capacity, a blower 46 supplies air to the hydrogen-rich gas in an amount corresponding to the supply of hydrogen-rich gas, and oxidation reaction of carbon monoxide is performed in addition to the shift reaction. By controlling the amount of air supplied, the carbon monoxide concentration at the exit of the shift reaction section 32 is maintained at a concentration less than a predetermined value. As a result, a fuel reformer 20 can be made compact, and at the same time, the energy required to increase the temperature at the time of start up can be reduced.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A fuel reformer for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen-rich gas, comprising:a reforming section for reforming the hydrocarbon fuel to the hydrogen-rich gas, having a first capacity; a shift reaction section having a second capacity in a ratio to the first capacity, for reacting a portion

1. A fuel reformer for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen-rich gas, comprising:a reforming section for reforming the hydrocarbon fuel to the hydrogen-rich gas, having a first capacity; a shift reaction section having a second capacity in a ratio to the first capacity, for reacting a portion of carbon monoxide present in the hydrogen-rich gas supplied from the reforming section with water to shift the carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide; an oxidation gas supplier for supplying an oxidation gas containing oxygen to the shift reaction section; and control means for determining an excess of the hydrogen-rich gas supplied to the shift reaction section from the reforming section with respect to the second capacity and controlling the oxidation gas supplier to supply the oxidation gas to the shift reaction section based on the excess; wherein in the shift reaction section, carbon monoxide present in the hydrogen-rich gas supplied from the reforming section is reacted with water to shift the carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and oxygen supplied by the oxidation gas supplier is reacted with carbon monoxide present in the hydrogen-rich gas to yield carbon dioxide, when the oxygen is supplied to the shift reaction section.