Patent ID: 6413661
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: B60L,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A method of transitioning from a start up mode to a running mode in a fuel cell system including a combustor receiving a pressurized air stream and a hydrocarbon fuel and reacting the pressurized air stream and the fuel to generate heat energy, a fuel processor receiving the heat energy from the combustor and operative to generate a hydrogen rich feed stream, and a fuel cell stack wherein the feed stream is reacted to generate electricity, the method comprising the steps of:establishing a feed stream flow path from the fuel processor to the combustor; admitting the feed stream in the flow path into the combustor in response to the pressure of the feed stream in the flow path exceeding the air stream pressure; and decreasing the supply of the hydrocarbon fuel to the combustor in response to admitting the feed stream into the combustor from the flow path, thereby transitioning from a start up mode to a running mode.