초록

Fuel cells having an efficient means of thermal insulation such that all of the components requiring high temperature operation are contained within a single housing and whereby such thermal insulation is disposed exterior to such housing.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of regulating operation of a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising: forming a substantially isothermal reaction zone,converting fuel to hydrogen and by-products within the substantially isothermal reaction zone at a reaction temperature within a reaction temperature range,converting the by-p

1. A method of regulating operation of a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising: forming a substantially isothermal reaction zone,converting fuel to hydrogen and by-products within the substantially isothermal reaction zone at a reaction temperature within a reaction temperature range,converting the by-products to exhaust products and thermal energy within the substantially isothermal reaction zone,maintaining the reaction temperature range, andemploying thermal energy from converting the by-products to assist in maintaining the reaction temperature range, further comprising terminating converting fuel when the reaction temperature is outside the reaction temperature range. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising converting hydrogen to electricity and thermal energy, wherein the thermal energy from converting the hydrogen is employed to maintain the reaction temperature range. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining the reaction temperature range comprises insulating the substantially isothermal reaction zone. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein insulating comprises maintaining a reduced pressure, and the method further comprises terminating the converting fuel to hydrogen when the reduced pressure increases above a threshold pressure. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein insulating further comprises providing an insulator to insulate the substantially isothermal reaction zone. 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising regulating exhaust emissions. 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising authenticating a fuel source for compatibility with the solid oxide fuel cell. 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising terminating apparatus operation in response to a predetermined fuel level.