| 摘要 |
<p>An integrated power module for generating thermal and electrical power is provided within a housing (110) which includes inlets for fuel (156) and for air (112), a reformer chamber (116), a fuel cell stack (118), and a combustion chamber (120). Oxygen-containing gas, such as air, is introduced into the module along path (114) in one direction in heat-exchange relationship with reaction products produced in the reaction chamber traveling in an adjacent path, preferably in an opposite direction, to preheat the incoming oxygen-containing gas. A nozzle (169) having an injector for the fuel and for the oxygen-containing gas delivers these gases to the interior of the reformer chamber, where the ignition is supplied by a suitable device. The reaction products from the reformer chamber are fed to a fuel cell which will consume certain of the reaction products, such as hydrogen gas, with oxygen provided from the reaction chamber acting as an oxidizing gas. Exchange between a cathode and an anode will effect the generation of current, as well as the production of water, which normally will be absorbed as steam and passed from the fuel cell. The current generated by the fuel cell can be delivered externally to a user, while hydrogen may be combusted downstream in the combustion chamber to provide an added thermal energy source for heating. In alternative embodiments of the power module, the fuel cell is used as a shift reactor and hydrogen purification device. The primary product of this module is purified hydrogen gas in addition to heat.</p> |
