Patent ID: 6190791
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A method for operating a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system, comprising:generating a combustion gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a gas-generating system;guiding the hydrogen into a proton membrane fuel cell;compressing air with a first compressor;supplying the compressed air to the proton exchange member fuel cell, thereby producing a cathode offgas and anode offgas;supplying the cathode offgas to a catalytic burner as an air supply, thereby producing exhaust air;expanding the exhaust air with a first expander;using energy generated from said first expander to drive said first compressor;expanding a portion of the combustion gas with a second expander operatively coupled to a second compressor; andfurther compressing the compressed air from the first compressor with the second compressor.