Patent ID: 7118606
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: F02C,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A system for converting fuel energy to electricity, comprising: a reformer for converting a higher molecular weight gas into at least one mixed gas stream of lower average molecular weight comprising at least a first lower molecular weight gas and a second gas, said first and second gases being different gases, wherein said first lower molecular weight as comprises H at least one turbine coupled to an electrical generator having an input connected to an output of said reformer, said turbine receiving said mixed gas stream and generating electricity from expansion of said mixed gas stream; a separator connected to an output of said turbine, said separator having a first and a second output for dividing said mixed gas stream, wherein a first gas stream mainly comprising said H a first fuel cell, an anode of said first fuel cell connected to said first output for electrochemically oxidizing said first gas stream to produce electricity; and a second fuel cell, an anode of said second fuel cell connected to said second output for electrochemically oxidizing said second gas stream to produce electricity.