Patent ID: 6764784
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell generator apparatus comprising:at least one fuel cell assembly module comprising at least two side by side subassemblies each containing a plurality of fuel cells, each fuel cell having electrolyte between an oxidant electrode and a fuel electrode where the subassemblies are each fueled at their base by a fuel feed injector attached to a fuel feed pre-reformer which is connected to fuel distribution manifolds; a module housing capable of withstanding temperatures over 600 C. enclosing the fuel cell assembly module; an axially-elongated thin wall vessel surrounding the module housing, the vessel having two ends; a purge gas space between the module housing and the vessel; at least one fuel gas feed inlet through the vessel and connecting to the fuel feed injector; common gaseous oxidant-purge gas feed inlet through the vessel; exhaust gas outlet through the vessel connecting to a combusted gas plenum associated with the fuel cell assembly module through a semi-flexible duct; insulation contacting the inside of the vessel within at least part of the purge gas space; and where the vessel is adapted to be used for either atmospheric gaseous feed or pressurized gaseous feed.