Patent ID: 6544675
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
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.