Integral reactor system and method for fuel cells

摘要

A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

主权项

1. A fuel cell system comprising:
a solid oxide fuel cell including an anode-side cavity; and a fuel delivery element comprising one or more walls forming a fuel passage, a fuel inlet at one end of the fuel passage, and a fuel outlet at an opposite end of the fuel passage; the fuel delivery element configured to deliver fuel through the fuel outlet into the anode-side cavity of the fuel cell and to induce recirculation of partially utilized anode gas within the cavity or into the fuel passage; wherein the fuel delivery element comprises an anode exhaust gas recirculation device configured to cause recirculation of at least a portion of an oxygen-rich anode exhaust gas formed in the anode-side cavity of the fuel cell through a length of the fuel delivery passage of the fuel delivery element.