AUTOTHERMAL REFORMING SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED SHIFT BEDS, PREFERENTIAL OXIDATION REACTOR, AUXILIARY REACTOR, AND SYSTEM CONTROLS

摘要

An integrated hydrocarbon reforming system for use with an associated fuel cell, the system including a gas generator having a partial oxidation chamber, a steam reforming chamber, and integrated shift beds, a preferential oxidation reactor, optionally including a second preferential oxidation reactor and a chiller condenser interposed in-line with the two oxidation reactors, an auxiliary reactor with preheating, combustion, and stream generation capabilities, and an integrated fluid system whereby water, steam, fuel, and air can be effectively shared between system components for increased efficiencies and operation. The gas generator is configured to generate hydrogen-rich reformate by carrying out at least one of a non-catalytic thermal partial oxidation, a catalytic partial oxidation, a steam reforming, and any combinations therof. Within the shift beds a catalyst is used for promoting a water gas shift reaction in the hydrogen-rich reformate, while an integrated heat exchanger having a first mass of two-phase water therein is configured to exchange heat between the two-phase water and the hydrogen-rich reformate in the shift beds.