Patent ID: 6605378
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A fuel cell power plant having a plurality of functionally integrated components including a fuel cell assembly provided with a fuel stream, an oxidant stream and a coolant stream, said fuel cell power plant further comprising:a mass and heat recovery device for promoting a transfer of thermal energy and moisture between a first gaseous stream and a second gaseous stream; a burner for processing said fuel exhausted from said fuel cell assembly during operation thereof and exhausting a burner gaseous stream containing thermal energy and moisture; a housing chamber in which said oxidant stream exhausted from said fuel cell assembly merges with said burner gaseous stream to form said first gaseous stream; and wherein said coolant stream that is exhausted from said fuel cell assembly is provided to said housing chamber, and wherein said oxidant stream exhausted from said fuel cell assembly merges with said burner gaseous stream in the presence of said exhausted coolant stream.