Patent ID: 7282284
Filing Date: 2007-10-16
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a stack consisting of a filter-press structure comprising a multiplicity of fuel cell stacks, each cell delimited by bipolar plates and comprising an anode-proton conducting membrane/cathode assembly, comprising maintaining said stack at 60-90° C., feeding the anode compartment with a fuel containing hydrogen and at least 100 ppm of carbon monoxide, adding water vapor thereto, flowing the said fuel into the cathode side of at least one membrane electrolysis cell integrated into the filter press structure of the stack, feeding the same electric current as the fuel cells, mixing said fuel with the oxygen produced in the anodic side of said at least one electrolysis cell and feeding the resulting gaseous mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and oxygen to each anode of the fuel cells, imposing an oxidizing condition to obtain under the same cell voltage a current output stable over time.