Patent ID: 6329091
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
An on-board reforming system for a vehicle fuel cell, comprising:a first hydrogen purification unit having an inlet for receiving a supply of high pressure reformate and an outlet for expelling permeated hydrogen;a second hydrogen purification unit having an inlet for receiving a supply of high pressure reformate and an outlet for expelling permeated hydrogen;said expelled permeated hydrogen from said outlet of said second hydrogen purification unit having a lower pressure than said expelled permeated hydrogen from said outlet of said first hydrogen purification unit during hydrogen consumption by the fuel cell;a metal hydride storage bed in communication directly with said outlet of said first hydrogen purification unit for receiving expelled permeated hydrogen therefrom;said metal hydride storage bed being in communication with the fuel cell to transfer hydrogen thereto; andthe fuel cell also being in communication with said outlet of said second hydrogen purification unit for receiving expelled permeated hydrogen therefrom.