Method and apparatus for separating water from a fuel cell exhaust stream

A power generating apparatus for reducing product water in a fuel cell exhaust stream. The apparatus includes a fuel cell for conducting an electrochemical reaction producing electricity and an exhaust stream comprising water, a water tank having an exhaust stream inlet connected to an exhaust stream outlet of the fuel cell, and a combustor in fluid communication with an upper portion of the water tank. A portion of the water in the exhaust stream condenses and drops out of the exhaust stream within the water tank to give a water-depleted exhaust stream that is directed to the combustor. Preferably, the water tank is connected to a source of make up water and a drain. The tank can further have level control systems for maintaining minimum and maximum levels of water within the tank. The tank may have an outlet for directed collected water to a fuel cell, fuel processing or integrated fuel cell/fuel processing system. A method for separating water from a fuel cell exhaust is also provided.