FUEL CELL POWER PLANT REFORMER

摘要

The reformer (2) is designed for use with a large fuel cell power plant capable of producing megawatts of power, as, for example, would be used by a public utility. The catalyst tubes (16) in the reformer (2) have their upper ends at staggered elevations so as to be capable of having their temperatures individually monitored by infrared temperature sensors. The catalyst tubes (16) are mounted on a floating support within the reformer housing (4) so as to be free to undergo expansion and contraction during periods of internal temperature variation as the reformer (2) is operated. The floating support is preferably formed from fuel manifolds suspended in the reformer housing (4). Baffles (64) are included in the reformer housing (4) for evenly distributing heat to the catalyst tube (16) arrays. The reformer has a long burner (56) tube which is approximately the same length as the catalyst tubes (16).