摘要 |
In an electric power generation system (2), there is a cross-flow stack (4) of fuel cells (6) each having an anode, electrolyte, and a cathode. Associated with the anodes are anode passages which in each cell are divided into a first group formed by anode passages (28a) and a second group formed by anode passages (28b). Fuel gas, for example methane from a supply (26) is fed via path (34) to an inlet manifold (38a) to the anode passages (28a), and a portion of anode exhaust gas from the anode passages (28a) is fed via an exhaust outlet manifold (40a) and lines (42, 46) to an inlet manifold (38b) feeding the anode passages (28b). A reforming reaction takes place in the anode passages (28a and 28b). The other part of the anode exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold (40a) is fed via lines (42 and 44) to the line (34) to mix with the fuel gas. Atmospheric air provides the oxidising gas supplied on line (18) to the cathodes. That oxidising gas is heated in a heating arrangement (21) in which anode exhaust gas from the anode passages (28b), and supplied on line (50), is burnt. |