Portable fuel processor apparatus and enclosure and method of installing same

A method of installing a fuel processor, the method comprising the steps of:

• moving a gas impermeable enclosure to a desired location, the enclosure housing a fuel processor and a gas detector, the gas detector comprising a sensor within the interior space of the enclosure to monitor the environment within the enclosure for the presence of a combustible gas in the interior space of the enclosure and wherein the enclosure has a porting means attached wherein said porting means are selected from (1) wheels, rollers, and tracks affixed to a bottom surface of the enclosure and (2) handles, grips, eye hooks affixed to one or more of the side surfaces or top wall of the enclosure;
• connecting a source of water to the enclosure;
• connecting a source of reformer fuel to the enclosure;
• connecting a fuel cell to the enclosure;
• and
• connecting the enclosure to a domestic drain.

A method of installing a fuel processor, the method comprising the steps of:

• moving a gas impermeable enclosure to a desired location, the enclosure housing a fuel processor and a gas detector, the gas detector comprising a sensor within the interior space of the enclosure to monitor the environment within the enclosure for the presence of a combustible gas in the interior space of the enclosure and wherein the enclosure has a porting means attached wherein said porting means are selected from (1) wheels, rollers, and tracks affixed to a bottom surface of the enclosure and (2) handles, grips, eye hooks affixed to one or more of the side surfaces or top wall of the enclosure;
• connecting a source of water to the enclosure;
• connecting a source of reformer fuel to the enclosure;
• connecting a fuel cell to the enclosure;
• and
• providing the enclosure with a communication link with a remote process control unit.

A portable fuel processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• an enclosure having an outer wall defining an interior space and providing a gas impermeable barrier that substantially inhibits the passage of gases from the interior space of the enclosure to the external environment;
• porting means attached to the enclosure wherein said porting means are selected from (1) wheels, rollers, and tracks affixed to a bottom surface of the enclosure and (2) handles, grips, eye hooks affixed to one or more of the side surfaces or top wall of the enclosure;
• a fuel reformer disposed within the interior space of the enclosure for converting a reformer fuel to a hydrogen-rich reformate gas;
• and
• a water collection vessel disposed within the enclosure for collecting and degassing water from the fuel reformer for disposal in a domestic drain.

A portable fuel processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• an enclosure having an outer wall defining an interior space and providing a gas impermeable barrier that substantially inhibits the passage of gases from the interior space of the enclosure to the external environment;
• porting means attached to the enclosure wherein said porting means are selected from (1) wheels, rollers, and tracks affixed to a bottom surface of the enclosure and (2) handles, grips, eye hooks affixed to one or more of the side surfaces or top wall of the enclosure;
• a fuel reformer disposed within the interior space of the enclosure for converting a reformer fuel to a hydrogen-rich reformate gas;
• and
• wherein the enclosure comprises a connector for establishing electronic communication with a remote process control unit.