Patent ID: 7537849
Filing Date: 2009-05-26
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell system for generating electric power by combination of oxygen with hydrogen-containing fuel, comprising: a) a plurality of individual fuel cells organized into at least one fuel cell stack assembly including a plurality of cathodes and anodes; b) a reformer for reforming hydrocarbons to provide said fuel; c) an air supply system for supplying said oxygen in the form of cathode air; d) an integrated fuel/air manifold for receiving said fuel from said reformer, conveying said fuel to said anodes, and returning said fuel as tail gas from said anodes, and for receiving said cathode air from said air supply system, conveying said cathode air to said cathodes, and returning said cathode air from said cathodes; e) a thermal enclosure for housing at least one of said fuel cells, said reformer, and said manifold in a hot zone therein; and f) a structural enclosure for housing said thermal enclosure and for housing said air supply system in a cool zone outside of said thermal enclosure, said structural enclosure including at least one cooling air inlet vent and at least one cooling air outlet vent that allow cooling air to pass into and out of said cool zone, wherein said at least one inlet vent is disposed below said at least one outlet vent for allowing thermal convective cooling of said air supply system within said cool zone by said cooling air, wherein said cooling air is separate from said cathode air being provided by said air supply system and integrated fuel/air manifold to said cathodes.