Method and device for controlling temperature in several zones of a solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit

摘要

A method for fuel cell system thermal management includes: maintaining a first zone at a first selected temperature range, maintaining a second zone at a second selected temperature range, and maintaining a third zone at a third selected temperature range. The second zone is in thermal communication with a first sensor and comprises a reformer (32), while the third zone is in thermal communication with a second sensor and comprises a fuel cell stack (28). The second selected temperature range is greater than the first selected temperature range, while the third selected temperature range is greater than the second selected temperature range. A thermal management system for use with an auxiliary power unit (10) includes a first air control valve (46) in fluid communication with a process air supply (34) and a fuel reformer zone (24), the first air control valve (46) in operable communication with a controller (54); a second air control valve (40) in fluid communication with a process air supply (34) and a hot zone (22), the second air control valve (40) in electronic communication with the controller (54); a reformer zone temperature sensor (82) in thermal communication with the fuel reformer (32) and in operable communication with the controller (54); a hot zone temperature sensor (80) in thermal communication with the hot zone (22) and in operable communication with the controller (54); a first outlet at the reformer zone (24); and a second outlet at the hot zone (22).