Jeffrey Allen Hedges

US Patent:

20040194381, Oct 7, 2004

Filed:

Apr 4, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/407316

Inventors:

William Wheat - Missouri City TX, US
James Stevens - Katy TX, US
Curtis Krause - Houston TX, US
Jeffrey Hedges - Fulshear TX, US
Eric Pow - Vancouver, CA

Assignee:

Texaco Inc. - San Ramon CA

International Classification:

G05D001/00
B32B027/04
C10J003/20

US Classification:

048/118500, 422/107000, 048/127900

Abstract:

A portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure including an enclosure having an outer wall that defines an interior space and provides a gas impermeable barrier. Attached to the enclosure is porting means for use in moving the enclosure from one location to another. A fuel reformer capable of providing sufficient hydrogen-rich reformate to a fuel cell stack for use in generating at least about 1 kW per hour is disposed within the enclosure. An optional gas detection system includes a sensor disposed within the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure for presence of combustible gases. The portable apparatus can have a number of connectors for connecting the enclosure and the fuel processing systems to a source of a reformer fuel and water as well as a domestic drain. Preferred sources of fuel and water are common utility lines available in buildings. Additional connectors can be provided to couple the fuel processor with a fuel cell, for used in delivering a reformate stream, air stream and circulating cooling medium to a fuel cell and for returning a fuel cell exhaust stream to the enclosure. Moreover, the portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure can further include connectors for establishing electronic communications with a remote process control unit. A method of installing the portable fuel processing apparatus is also provided.