Hydrogen generation assemblies

Abstract

Hydrogen generation assemblies and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a pump controller configured to select a flowrate from a plurality of flowrates based on detected pressure, and to operate the pump at the selected flowrate. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a purge valve assembly configured to allow at least one pressurized gas to flow through a purge conduit from a pressurized gas assembly to a fuel processing assembly when power to the fuel processing assembly is interrupted. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a damper controller configured to move a damper between fully open and closed positions based, at least in part, on detected temperature in a hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a reformer controller configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]A hydrogen generation assembly is an assembly that converts one or more feedstocks into a product stream containing hydrogen gas as a majority component. The feedstocks may include a carbon-containing feedstock and, in some embodiments, also may include water. The feedstocks are delivered to a hydrogen-producing region of the hydrogen generation assembly from a feedstock delivery system, typically with the feedstocks being delivered under pressure and at elevated temperatures. The hydrogen-producing region is often associated with a temperature modulating assembly, such as a heating assembly or cooling assembly, which consumes one or more fuel streams to maintain the hydrogen-producing region within a suitable temperature range for effectively producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen generation assembly may generate hydrogen gas via any suitable mechanism(s), such as steam reforming, autothermal reforming, pyrolysis, and / or catalytic partial oxidation.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a hydrogen generation assembly that includes a fuel processing assembly for producing hydrogen gas from a feed stream. The assembly also includes a feed assembly with a pump for delivering the feed stream to the fuel processing assembly. The assembly includes a control system based on a feed sensor and a pump controller that selects the flowrate of the feed stream to the fuel processing assembly based on the detected pressure in the feed conduit. The assembly also includes a purge conduit and a purge valve for purging the fuel processing assembly when power is interrupted, and a buffer tank for containing the product hydrogen stream. Additionally, the assembly includes a steam reforming hydrogen generation assembly that includes a fuel processing region for producing a reformate stream containing hydrogen gas, a hydrogen sensor for detecting temperature, a heating assembly for heating the fuel processing region, and a damper for controlling the flow of heated exhaust stream. The technical effects of the patent are improved control of the hydrogen generation process and improved energy efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

The generated or produced hydrogen gas may, however, have impurities.

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