Methods and systems for humidifying fuel for use in fuel processors and fuel cell systems

A method for generating electricity, the method comprising:

• receiving a supply of a mixture of dry fuel and air at a first temperature;
• heating the supply of the mixture of dry fuel and air to a second temperature greater than the first temperature;
• combining the supply of the mixture of dry fuel and air at the second temperature with a supply of water;
• reforming the combined supply of fuel, air, and water;
• and
• reacting the reformed supply of fuel, air, and water with an oxidant to generate electricity.

A fuel processor for reforming a supply of fuel and air for a fuel cell, said fuel processor comprising;

• a first heat exchanger for heating a supply of a mixture of dry fuel and air at a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature prior to humidification of the supply of the mixture of dry fuel and air;
• an autothermal reactor for receiving the supply the mixture of dry of fuel and air after humidification;
• at least one of a high temperature shift device and a low temperature shift device operably connected to said autothermal reactor;
• and
• a preferential oxidation device, operably connected to said at least one of said high temperature shift device and said low temperature shift device, for discharging a supply of reformate.

A fuel cell system comprising:

• means for heating a supply of a mixture of dry fuel and air at a first temperature to a second temperature greater than the first temperature;
• means for humidifying the supply of the mixture of dry fuel and air at the second temperature;
• means for reforming the supply of humidified fuel and air;
• and
• means for reacting the reformed supply of humidified fuel and air with an oxidant to generate electricity.

A fuel cell system comprising:

• a first heat exchanger for heating a supply of a mixture of dry fuel and air to a second temperature greater than the first temperature;
• a humidifier for humidifying the supply of the mixture of dry fuel and air at the second temperature;
• a fuel processor for reforming the supply of humidified fuel and air;
• and
• a fuel cell for reacting the reformed supply of humidified fuel and air with an oxidant to generate electricity.