| 摘要 |
The present invention provides a direct hydrocarbon fuel cell system that comprises a direct hydrocarbon fuel cell and a higher temperature fuel cell connected in series. The system operates on direct hydrocarbon fuels without the need of a fuel reformer, and having improved electrochemical power output. Both fuel cells generate electricity. The fuel utilization level in the direct hydrocarbon fuel cell is controlled to avoid carbon deposition in the fuel cell that would degrade its performance. The exhaust from the direct hydrocarbon fuel cell, which contains steam, hydrogen-contained gas mixture and unreacted fuel, is fed directly into the high temperature fuel cell. The present invention thus relates to direct hydrocarbon fuel cell system for production of electricity having high efficiency and power output. The system can be a two stage fuel cell, or a system comprising two physically separated fuel cells, one direct hydrocarbon fuel cell and one regular fuel cell.
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