PLASMA-CATALYZED FUEL REFORMER SYSTEM

摘要

A thermally integrated system for producing electricity from a feedstock fuel is disclosed. The system utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding method and apparatus are also disclosed herein.

主权项

1. A thermally integrated system for producing electricity using a feedstock fuel as an input, the system comprising:
a reformer comprising a plasma zone to ionize a pre-heated mixture of reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto, and a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas, wherein each of the plasma zone and reaction zone are surrounded by a distinct thermally conductive surface that is directly exposed to an external heat source; and a fuel cell to chemically convert the synthesis gas to electricity and heat, wherein at least part of the heat is transmitted through the thermally conductive surface to provide at least part of the heat of reformation to the reactants.