Patent ID: 8911912

Claim:
A fuel cell system comprising: a hydrogen generator including a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material and steam; a combustor configured to supply heat for the reforming reaction to the reformer; a fuel cell configured to generate electric power by using the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the hydrogen generator; a first channel through which the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the hydrogen generator and flowing through the fuel cell flows; a second channel which is configured to branch from the first channel and bypass the fuel cell and through which the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the combustor flows; a third channel through which an oxidation gas flows, the oxidation gas being supplied to the first channel extending between the fuel cell and a branch portion from which the second channel branches; a first on-off valve provided on the first channel located downstream of a meeting portion where the first channel and the third channel meet; a second on-off valve provided on the second channel; an oxidation gas supply unit provided on the third channel; and a controller configured such that when the first on-off valve is closed and the second on-off valve is opened, and the hydrogen-containing gas is discharged from the hydrogen generator at the time of start-up, the controller activates the oxidation gas supply unit to supply the oxidation gas through the third channel to the first channel located downstream of the branch portion.