Patent ID: 7939211

Claim:
A method for controlling the operation of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing system that includes a fuel processor and a control means that, in use, automates the operation of the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system, at least to transition the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system between a plurality of operating states, wherein the plurality of operating states includes at least a standby state, in which the operating temperatures and pressures within the fuel processor are maintained but in which hydrogen gas is not being generated in more than an amount required to operate the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system, and a running state, in which the fuel processor receives a feed stream and produces a hydrogen gas stream therefrom, wherein the method comprises: receiving inputs of selected operating parameters of the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system, at least while the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system is in the standby state; determining whether a measured value of a selected operating parameter is above or below a determined threshold value or value range; selecting, responsive at least in part to the determining, whether the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system is to be transitioned to a selected operating state available to the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system; and sending, responsive at least in part to the selecting, command signals to transition the hydrogen-producing fuel processing system from the standby state to the running state.