Integrated reformer, reactor, and control system for efficient hydrogen production from hydrocarbon
A unit configured as constituent part of a fuel cell for use in novel electrochemical hydrogen compressor material technology system includes a combination of a hydrocarbon auto-thermal reformer, a water-gas shift reactor, and at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators at least one of which is downstream from both the reformer and reactor. Optionally, two of the at least two recuperators are separated by the reactor to generate H 2 in addition to that already contained in reformate formed at the reformer. The unit may include a proton conducting membrane that includes an inorganic polymer with pores filled with an organic polymer, each of which is configured to operate individually within a wide range of temperatures with no added solvent.
1. A compact unit comprising:
a hydrocarbon auto-thermal reformer (ATR),
a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and
at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators,
wherein at least a first of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators is placed downstream from the hydrocarbon ATR and the WGS reactor,
wherein said compact unit is configured as a part of a fuel cell.
2. The compact unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a spark plug in said WGS reactor.
3. The compact unit according to claim 1 , wherein said hydrocarbon ATR is located at a front of the compact unit and a second of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators is separated from the first of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators by the WGS reactor.
4. The compact unit according to claim 1 , wherein a heat recuperator of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators comprises one or more stainless steel tube or coil that is configured to separate a bulk flow from reactants in operation of said compact unit.
5. The compact unit according to claim 4 , wherein the one or more stainless steel tube or coil is a ⅛ inch coil.
6. The compact unit according to claim 1 , further comprising an injection section.
7. The compact unit according to claim 1 , configured to remove sulfur from a sulfur laden feed that has been brought in contact therewith.
8. The compact unit according to claim 1 , configured to pass a reformate generated at the hydrocarbon ATR through the first of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators after said reformate has passed through a second of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators but before said reformate caused generation of auxiliary H 2 in addition to H 2 already contained in said reformate.
9. The compact unit according to claim 1 , configured to initiate a reaction in the hydrocarbon ATR in absence of external heating.
10. The compact unit according to claim 1 , wherein a countercurrent flow heat recuperator of the at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators contains annuli configured to provide air feed from four evenly distributed circumferential locations.
11. The compact unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) containing at least one proton conducting membrane that includes an inorganic polymer having pores filled with an organic polymer.
12. The compact unit according to claim 11 , wherein each of the inorganic polymer and the organic polymer includes a dry proton conductor material configured to conduct protons with no added solvent, and wherein each of the inorganic polymer and the organic polymer are configured to operate individually at a temperature from room temperature to about 220 degrees C. with no water.
13. The compact unit according to claim 11 , wherein said at least one proton conducting membrane is configured to not lose phosphor containing material when exposed to water.