FuelCell Energy has been granted a patent for a steam methane reformer-integrated fuel cell system. The system includes a fuel cell, an anode gas oxidizer, and a steam methane reformer to produce hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The reformer utilizes heat from the exhaust stream to enhance efficiency. GlobalData’s report on FuelCell Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on FuelCell Energy, Hydrogen fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. FuelCell Energy's grant share as of May 2024 was 50%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Fuel cell system with integrated steam methane reformer
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12003008B2) discloses a steam methane reformer-integrated fuel cell system designed to efficiently produce hydrogen. The system includes at least one fuel cell with an anode, cathode, and electrolyte matrix, along with an anode gas oxidizer (AGO) that receives anode exhaust gas and preheated air to produce a high-temperature exhaust stream. This exhaust stream is then utilized by a steam methane reformer to react methane with steam, generating a first product stream containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Furthermore, the system incorporates additional components such as a water-gas shift reactor, absorber column, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) purification system, and a stripper column to enhance the concentration of hydrogen in the final product stream. By systematically processing the output from the steam methane reformer, the system aims to achieve a high concentration of hydrogen, with the patent specifying a minimum concentration of 95 mole %. The innovative design of this integrated system showcases a comprehensive approach to hydrogen production, highlighting the potential for more efficient and sustainable energy generation methods in the future.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on FuelCell Energy, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
