Reformer and fuel cell system having the same

Abstract

A fuel cell system is provided comprising: a reformer for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel; and at least one electricity generator for generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The reformer includes a main body in which a plurality of reaction sections for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel is integrally formed. A heating section is disposed in contact with the main body in order to supply different amounts of thermal energy to the plurality of reaction sections.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system, in particular to a fuel cell system with an improved reformer. Background technique [0002] As is well known, a fuel cell is a system that generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrocarbon materials such as methanol, ethanol, and hydrogen contained in natural gas. [0003] A recently developed polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (hereinafter referred to as PEMFC) exhibits good output characteristics, low operating temperature and quick start-up and response characteristics. Therefore, the PEMFC has a wide range of applications including mobile power sources for vehicles, distribution power sources for houses or buildings, and small power sources for electronic devices. [0004] A fuel cell system configured using a PEMFC basically includes: a stack, a reformer, a fuel tank, and a fuel pump. The fuel pump supplies the fuel stored in the fuel tank to t...

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Problems solved by technology

[0007] Therefore, due to the complex structure of the reformer, it is difficult to make the entire fuel cell system compact

In addition, its heat transfer performance is inefficient since the heat exchange between the reaction parts is done through pipes

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