Patent ID: 6569551
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of controlling oxidant supply for oxidizing carbon monoxide in an H2-rich reformate stream produced by a reformer and supplied to a fuel cell comprising:determining a flow rate of one or more inlet streams to the reformer; utilizing the flow rate of one or more inlet streams to the reformer to determine a flow rate of reformate in an outlet stream from the reformer and determining the carbon monoxide content of the reformate in the reformer outlet stream; utilizing the determined flow rate of the reformate in the reformer outlet stream and the determined carbon monoxide content to derive a flow rate of oxidant supply to the reformate in the reformer outlet stream to oxidize at least a portion of the carbon monoxide content therein; determining a rate of change of pressure in the reformer; and utilizing the rate of change of pressure in the reformer to adjust the flow rate of oxidant supply.