TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Components: The distribution and/or collection manifold is an annular manifold that defines a central opening through which a portion of the heating assembly extends and/or through which the heated exhaust stream flows. The distribution manifold is positioned proximate the ignition region of the heating assembly and the collection manifold is positioned distal the ignition region of the heating assembly relative to the distribution manifold. The distribution manifold is adapted to deliver the vaporized feed stream to the reforming catalyst bed such that the vaporized feed stream flows through the reforming catalyst beds toward the ignition region. The reforming catalyst beds collectively define an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The fuel processor includes heat diffusion structure(s) extending at least around the inner and/or outer perimeters of the reforming catalyst beds. The heat diffusion structure is formed from a thermally conductive material that is permeable to the heated exhaust stream and resistant to oxidation. The fuel processor further includes a heat-deflecting structure extending between the second portion of the combustion region and the enclosure containing the hydrogen-selective membrane. The methanation catalyst bed extends parallel to the reforming catalyst beds. It is positioned radially outward from the reforming catalyst beds relative to the axis. The fuel processor further includes fluid transfer conduit(s) extending parallel and concentric with the reforming catalyst beds relative to the axis; and filter assembly extending between the collection manifold and the enclosure containing the hydrogen-selective membrane. A shell defines a compartment within which at least the reforming region, at least a portion of the combustion region and the enclosure are enclosed. It is formed of spaced apart metal layers separated by insulating structure. The insulating structure includes hollow passage(s) having an inlet and an outlet. The fuel processor is in fluid communication with a cooling assembly that is adapted to urge a cooling fluid stream through the hollow passage(s). The shell may also include a body formed from a refractory ceramic material, wherein the body includes an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces includes a coating that is impermeable to the heated exhaust stream. The heated exhaust stream that contacts the inner surface of the body has a temperature of at least 400 degrees C. The shell is adapted to prevent the outer surface of the body from being heated above 60 degrees C by the heated exhaust stream. The shell includes outlet(s) through which the heated exhaust stream is exhausted from the shell. The heated exhaust stream passes through an exhaust filter prior to being exhausted from the shell. The exhaust filter includes a catalytic converter. The shell is mounted on a base. At least one hydrogen storage device is adapted to receive at least a portion of the product hydrogen stream. A fuel cell stack is adapted to receive at least a portion of the hydrogen-rich stream and an oxidant to produce an electric current.