Patent ID: 6713202
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: B60L,C01B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y02T

Abstract:
A multifuel fuel cell system, comprising:a hydrogen production unit; at least one fuel cell; means for heating a catalytic converter element in the hydrogen production unit to an operating temperature which can be preset; means for metering liquid fuel and air to the catalytic converter element to produce a synthetic gas mixture containing hydrogen; means for passing the synthetic gas mixture to at least one additional component connected between the catalytic converter element and the at least one fuel cell to provide a reformate; and means for switching the fuel cell system between a first operating mode, where the hydrogen production unit is raised to a predetermined operating temperature, and a second operating mode, wherein the hydrogen production unit and the at least one fuel cell are disconnected during the first operating mode and are connected during the second operating mode and wherein the means for switching is disposed between the catalytic converter element and the at least one fuel cell and switches the fuel cell system from the first operating mode to the second operating mode upon the hydrogen production unit reaching the predetermined operating temperature, and further wherein reformat can be transferred from the hydrogen production unit to the at least one fuel cell only during the second operating mode.