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Fuel cell system

  • US 6,544,675 B1
  • Filed: 10/19/1999
  • Issued: 04/08/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/19/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A fuel cell system comprising:

  • a fuel gas reforming device;

    a fuel-cell stack which receives a fuel gas from the fuel gas reforming device, and an oxidizing agent;

    a gauge positioned on a gas line connecting the fuel gas reforming device and the fuel-cell stack to determine a concentration of CO in the fuel gas from the reforming device;

    a burner independent of the fuel-cell stack and the fuel gas reforming device;

    means for supplying unused fuel gas discharged from the fuel-cell stack to the burner;

    a turbine receiving an exhaust gas from the burner so as to drive the turbine;

    an oxidizing agent supply means for supplying an oxidizing agent to the fuel-cell stack, wherein the turbine is drivingly connected to the oxidizing agent supply means;

    a motor, wherein the oxidizing agent supply means is connected so as to be driven by the motor;

    a switch positioned between the gauge and the fuel-cell stack on the gas line to switch a supply of the fuel gas from the reforming device to either the fuel-cell stack or the burner; and

    control means for switching the switch based on the CO concentration determined by the gauge.

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