초록 ▼

The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system consisting of a fuel cell, a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich gas, and a combustion chamber in which the fuel cell exhaust gases are oxidized to generate the heat energy required in the reformer. According to the invention, in

The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system consisting of a fuel cell, a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich gas, and a combustion chamber in which the fuel cell exhaust gases are oxidized to generate the heat energy required in the reformer. According to the invention, in those operating states in which the heat energy supplied to the reformer from the combustion chamber is insufficient, additional amounts of fuel and oxygen are supplied to the reformer, so that additional heat energy is produced directly in the reformer by the oxidation of the fuel. At the same time, during the oxidation of the fuel in the reformer, steam is produced that can be used in steam reformation. Advantageously, adjustment of the additional amount of fuel and the oxygen supplied is performed as a function of the reformer temperature.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Method for operating a fuel cell system of the type having a fuel cell with an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, a hydrogen-rich gas being supplied to the anode chamber and an oxygen-containing gas being supplied to the cathode chamber; a reformer for generating hydrog

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Method for operating a fuel cell system of the type having a fuel cell with an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, a hydrogen-rich gas being supplied to the anode chamber and an oxygen-containing gas being supplied to the cathode chamber; a reformer for generating hydrogen-rich gas from a fuel with the aid of endothermal steam reformation, with fuel and water being fed to a reaction chamber of the reformer, at ambient temperature, and as a function of the required volume of hydrogen-rich gas; and a combustion chamber in which fuel cell exhaust is oxidized by the addition of oxygen, with resultant heat energy being fed to the reaction chamber of the reformer; said method comprising:in a first operating state providing heat energy for steam reformation exclusively by oxidation of the fuel cell exhaust in the combustion chamber;in a second operating state, in which reaction heat from the combustion chamber is insufficient, supplying an additional fuel amount and oxygen amount to the reaction chamber of the reformer; andswitching between operating states as a function of reformer temperature, load curve, and/or hydrogen content in an exhaust of said anode,wherein said switching step comprises:detecting temperature in the reformer;comparing temperature in the reformer with a preset temperature threshold; andswitching to the second operating state when the preset temperature threshold is undershot.