초록

A method and apparatus for injecting oxygen into a fuel cell reformate stream to reduce the level of carbon monoxide while preserving the level of hydrogen in a fuel cell system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A fuel cell system comprising:a source of a stream having hydrogen and carbon monoxide; a reactor for selectively oxidizing said carbon monoxide in said stream, said reactor including a chamber with an inlet, an outlet and a catalyst supported on a carrier within said chamber and arranged to cont

1. A fuel cell system comprising:a source of a stream having hydrogen and carbon monoxide; a reactor for selectively oxidizing said carbon monoxide in said stream, said reactor including a chamber with an inlet, an outlet and a catalyst supported on a carrier within said chamber and arranged to contact said stream passing through said chamber from said inlet to said outlet; at least one fuel cell in fluid flow communication with said outlet of said chamber and arranged to consume said stream in the production of electrical energy; a first sensor generating a first control signal proportional to the difference in hydrogen concentration of said stream between said inlet and said outlet; a second sensor generating a second control signal proportional to the CO concentration of said stream exiting said outlet; an injection system including a first injector supplying a first quantity of a gaseous mixture including oxygen upstream of said inlet and a second injector supplying a second quantity of a gaseous mixture including oxygen downstream of said outlet; and a control unit responsive to said first and second control signals for selectively energizing said injection system.