Importance

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Abstract

A fuel cell electric power generation system comprises an electric power generation subsystem, a fuel processing subsystem, an oxidant subsystem, a water circulation subsystem, and a temperature control subsystem. The improved system employs a novel arrangement of components which provides improved interaction between the subsystems while also simplifying the apparatus by integrating components to provide improved thermal and electrical efficiency. The fuel processing subsystem preferably comprises a furnace for providing heat to a plurality of components disposed within the furnace. In one embodiment, a reformer, a fuel stream humidifier, and a heat exchanger are all disposed within the furnace vessel, with the outlet of the humidifier fluidly connected to the inlet of the reformer and the outlet of the heat exchanger fluidly connected to a desulfurizer located external to the furnace. The fuel processing subsystem may further comprise a shift reactor that exchanges heat with a cathode exhaust stream directed to the shift reactor from the power generation subsystem. After passing through the shift reactor, the cathode exhaust stream is preferably directed to the furnace burner.

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First Claim