Patent ID: 8435689

Claim:
A method of operating a fuel cell system, comprising: providing a cathode exhaust stream through a cathode exhaust conduit, wherein the cathode exhaust conduit extends from a cathode exhaust of a fuel cell stack through a heat exchanger; providing water through a steam conduit which is thermally integrated with the cathode exhaust conduit in the heat exchanger, wherein the steam conduit has a first outlet fluidly connected to a fuel inlet conduit and a second outlet fluidly connected to a heating system of a facility associated with the fuel cell system; during start-up of the fuel cell system, outputting steam generated in the steam conduit through the first outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to a hydrocarbon fuel inlet stream in the fuel inlet conduit; and during steady-state operation of the fuel cell system, outputting steam or hot water generated in the steam conduit through the second outlet, wherein the output steam is provided to the heating system of the facility.