Cogeneration of power and heat by an integrated fuel cell power system

摘要

Interconnection layouts are described that are particularly effective in the construction of a steam reformer/fuel cell combination for providing domestic heat and/or hot water as well as electricity. A distinguishing feature of the interconnections is that they permit the operator to optimize the efficiency of operation of the integrated system, and provide a higher efficiency at optimum operation compared to prior art designs. Combinations of reformer/fuel cell systems with conventional furnaces or boilers are also described.