초록 ▼

A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system and method includes a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber housing, a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a mixed mode heat exchanger. A recuperator having interior walls that are color graded to provi

A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system and method includes a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber housing, a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a mixed mode heat exchanger. A recuperator having interior walls that are color graded to provide temperature zones effecting a positive temperature gradient in the direction of the solid oxide fuel cell stack is disposed within the chamber and close coupled to the fuel cell stack for absorbing radiation therefrom. The recuperator further heats the partially preheated oxidant gas and partially or fully reforms incoming fuel gas. Manifolds having oxidant and fuel channels for conducting reformed fuel and heated oxidant from the recuperator to fuel cell oxidant and fuel inlets are arranged to maximize fuel flow at the portions of each fuel cell adjacent the recuperator and to maximize oxidant flow near central portions of each fuel cell. A method for providing a tailored anode fuel stream is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system comprising:a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber for housing a solid oxide fuel cell stack; said solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells having oxidant and

1. A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system comprising:a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber for housing a solid oxide fuel cell stack; said solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells having oxidant and fuel inlets and arranged to permit fluid flow of incoming oxidant and fuel gases therebetween, and having an exhaust outlet; a mixed mode heat exchanger disposed within said chamber for partially preheating an oxidant gas, said mixed mode heat exchanger having an oxidant gas inlet in fluid communication with a source of oxidant gas and an oxidant gas outlet; a recuperator, disposed within said chamber and close coupled to said solid oxide fuel cell stack for absorbing radiation therefrom, for further heating incoming partially preheated oxidant gas and reforming incoming fuel gas, said recuperator having color graded interior walls providing a plurality of temperature zones and forming a positive temperature gradient in the direction of said solid oxide fuel cell stack, said recuperator having an oxidant inlet in fluid communication with said oxidant gas outlet of said mixed mode exchanger to receive partially preheated oxidant gas therefrom, an inlet in fluid communication with a fuel source to receive a flow of fuel; an oxidant outlet, a fuel gas outlet; and manifolds associated with said solid oxide fuel cell stack and in fluid communication with said oxidant and fuel gas outlets of said recuperator, said manifolds comprising oxidant and fuel channels for conducting fuel and heated oxidant from said recuperator to said solid oxide fuel cell oxidant and fuel inlets.