Hydrocarbon Fuel Reforming for Hybrid SOFC Propulsion

The patent changes the physical state of hydrogen fuel from liquid (requiring cooling systems) to gaseous form, and stores it at high pressure (350-700 bar) instead of atmospheric pressure. This parameter change eliminates the need for heavy cooling systems while maintaining efficient electric power generation capability.

The patent employs composite pressure vessels made of fiber-reinforced materials (such as carbon fiber or glass fiber composites) to store gaseous hydrogen at high pressure. These composite materials provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling compact storage without excessive weight, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation capability and system weight.

The patent introduces a steam reforming process where steam acts as an intermediary substance that reacts with hydrocarbon fuel at high temperatures to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This steam-mediated reaction pathway prevents direct thermal decomposition of fuel that would otherwise produce coke, enabling high-temperature operation without harmful coke formation.

The patent uses steam (water vapor) as an oxidizing agent in the reforming process. The steam provides oxygen atoms that react with carbon in the hydrocarbon fuel to form carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, preventing carbon deposition (coke formation) while maintaining high reaction temperatures for efficient power generation.