Fuel cell system in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and method for the operation thereof

摘要

The invention relates to a fuel cell system in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The fuel cell system comprise; at least one fuel cell that can be operated with hydrogen or combustion gas that is produced in a reformer; an internal combustion engine, which is operated with the same or with another combustion gas, and; optionally comprises an auxiliary heating device. In order to increase the overall efficiency of the fuel cell system, the invention provides that an outlet of the fuel cell can be brought into flow connection with an inlet of the internal combustion engine or with an inlet of an auxiliary heating device in order to utilize the excess of combustion gas in the exhaust gas of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is, in particular, operated with a volume flow that ensures a maximum electric power output.