초록 ▼

When starting a fuel cell, valves are operated such that a heat exchange medium flows from a circulation pump through a heating-time bypass duct to a heater and the fuel cell, and the heat exchange medium is heated by the heater. Consequently, the fuel cell can be heated up efficiently and rapidly.

When starting a fuel cell, valves are operated such that a heat exchange medium flows from a circulation pump through a heating-time bypass duct to a heater and the fuel cell, and the heat exchange medium is heated by the heater. Consequently, the fuel cell can be heated up efficiently and rapidly. When a heating device is driven during operation of the fuel cell, the valves are operated such that the heat exchange medium flows from the circulation pump to the fuel cell, the heater and the heat exchanger in this order. If the amount of heat required for the heating device cannot obtained from the heat generated by the fuel cell, the heater heats the heat exchange medium so as to remedy a deficiency in heat. As a result, the heating device can be made to function adequately. That is, the fuel cell is heated up rapidly when it is started. While the fuel cell is in operation, its temperature is confined to a suitable operational temperature range, whereby the heat generated by the fuel cell can be utilized effectively.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of a fuel cell, comprising:a circulation circuit through which a heat exchange medium exchanging heat with the fuel cell circulates; a medium circulator for circulating the heat exchange medium through the circulation circuit either in a normal

1. A temperature regulator for regulating a temperature of a fuel cell, comprising:a circulation circuit through which a heat exchange medium exchanging heat with the fuel cell circulates; a medium circulator for circulating the heat exchange medium through the circulation circuit either in a normal direction or in a reverse direction; a cooler provided in the circulation circuit; a cooling bypass device positioned to switch the circulation circuit such that the heat exchange medium bypasses the cooler; a heat utilizer provided in the circulation circuit to carry out work by utilizing heat of the heat exchange medium; a heat utilizing bypass device positioned to switch the circulation circuit such that the heat exchange medium bypasses the heat utilizer; and a heater provided adjacent to the fuel cell in the circulation circuit and capable of heating the heat exchange medium.