Reforming stack heat integrated

Because a reformer consumes heat and water, and a fuel cell stack produces heat and water, integration of the stack and the reformer could be expected to improve system efficiency and simpUly system construction. This possibility 

Like MCFCs, SOFCs can integrate fuel reforming within the fuel cell stack. A prereformer converts a substantial amount of the natural gas using waste heat from the fuel cell. Compounds containing sulfur (e.g., thiophene, which is commonly added to natural gas as an odorant) 

In general, a reformer is designed to minimize gas-phase reactions, avoid heat loss, and reduce thermal mass to facilitate rapid startup. The integration of an external reformer and a stack requires definition of appropriate procedures and conditions to achieve stable and efficient operation of the system (to avoid carbon deposition and to ensure the ability of the system to accommodate transients in 

Figure 105. Modern integrated single-train ammonia plant based on steam reforming of natural gas (Clide process) a) Sulfur removal b) Primary reformer c) Steam superheater d) Secondary reformer e) Waste heat boiler f) Convection section g) Forced draft fan h) Induced draft fan i) Stack k) TIT and LT shift converters

Competition, on similar lines, arises from Global Thermoelectric, Calgary, Canada (see web site), licensee of Forschungs Zentrum Julich (FZJ). Global Thermoelectric produces flat square cell SOFC stacks, in which the MEAs have 6 xm electrolyte. The stacks are integrated with a concentric module, which incorporates preheat of natural gas, water/steam and air, reform, exhaust combustion and heat utilisation, in the twin preheaters. These cells are widely used by other manufacturers for their stacks. 

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