Patent ID: 7910253
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: C01B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A reformer for a fuel cell, comprising: a reforming reactor configured to convert fuel to a reformed gas comprising carbon monoxide; a water gas shift reactor comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the water gas shift reactor comprises a catalyst, and wherein the water gas shift reactor is configured to receive the reformed gas via the inlet, configured to oxidize at least part of the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas, and configured to discharge a resulting gas mixture via the outlet; a pipe coupled to the inlet or outlet, wherein the pipe comprises a portion located below the inlet or outlet sufficient to drain liquid water out of the water gas shift reactor to the pipe such that the catalyst is not submerged in liquid water that is to form in the water gas shift reactor when the reformer is not in normal operation and that would otherwise submerge the catalyst; and a water reservoir coupled to the pipe, wherein the water reservoir is configured to retain liquid water such that more liquid water can be drained from the water gas shift reactor than without the water reservoir, and wherein the reservoir comprises a water absorber.