System for fuel cell reformer start-up

Details System for fuel cell reformer start-up System for fuel cell reformer start-up

2001-10-29

2003-11-25

Maples, John S. (Department: 1745)

Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and

Having magnetic field feature

C429S010000, C429S006000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06653006

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to a start-up system for a fuel cell. In particular, this invention includes a start-up system for providing fuel and water as an emulsion to the reformer and for starting a vehicle.
Fuel cell systems designed for vehicles need to have water present at all times to serve as a reactant for steam reforming, water-gas shift, and stack humidification. During normal, warmed-up operation water is present in ample quantities, as water is one product of a fuel cell system and cam be recycled to the fuel processor. However, for start-up of the reformer, liquid water must be made available. The current invention provides a system to make available liquid water to the reformer at start-up. The start-up system makes an emulsion of fuel and water on-board the vehicle prior to start-up.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a fuel cell system which includes a reformer, a fuel cell, and start-up system. The start-up system includes a source of an emulsion including water, fuel and surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a water gas shifter to reduce CO.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fuel cell system includes a conventional fuel cell system and a start-up system for providing an emulsion of fuel and water for starting a vehicle. After the vehicle is started by the start-up system, the conventional fuel cell system takes over to operate the vehicle.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5827496 (1998-10-01), Lyon
patent: 6030718 (2000-02-01), Fuglevand et al.
patent: 2001/0038934 (2001-11-01), Berlowitz et al.

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