A fuel processor for rapidly achieving operating temperature during startup.
The
fuel processor includes a reformer, a shift reactor, and a preferential oxidation
reactor is provided for deriving hydrogen for use in creating electricity in a
plurality of fuel cells. A first combustion heater system is coupled to at least
one of the reformer, the shift reactor, and the preferential oxidation reactor
to preheat the component during a rapid startup sequence. That is, the first combustion
heater system is operable to produce thermal energy as a product of the combustion
of air and fuel in the form of a first heated exhaust stream. This first heated
exhaust stream is then used to heat the component directly or by using a heat exchanger
type system. The first heated exhaust stream is also used by a second combustion
device as a source of oxygen or diluent.
