Multi-Channel Fuel Reformer with Augmented Heat Transfer

Abstract

A planar endothermic reformer assembly comprising only a few macrochannels rather than many microchannels as in the prior art. The macrochannels are arranged alternately in a stack for reforming and hot gas flow in a cross-flow reformer/heat exchanger. The assembly includes four manifolds. An external combustor supplies heat to the hot gas macrochannels in the reformer/heat exchanger stack for endothermic reforming, resulting in low temperature gradients in the reforming macrochannels. The macrochannels, having no dimension less than 2.0 mm, contain metal substrates for heat transfer as well as for support for the catalytic washcoat and may comprise packs of corrugated sheet metal such as Haynes or Inconell; packs of wire mesh; metallic foam made of Fecralloy, Haynes, Inconel, or higher conductivity material; or stacks of metallic felt material. The metallic substrates are brazed into the reforming channels and the hot flow channels to ensure maximum heat transfer for highest reforming efficiencies.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.