METHOD AND APPARATUS TO BUILD UP PRESSURE IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM

摘要

The method and apparatus serve to build up pressure in a fuel cell system after the end of the cold-start phase of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell and a fuel processing system to produce a hydrogen-rich gas to operate the fuel cell from at least one carbon- and hydrogen-containing process stream, in particular a hydrocarbon derivative, and water. A flow-control component is located between the fuel cell and the system volume of the fuel processing system. After the end of the cold-start phase, the quantity of process stream and water that is metered into the system volume is larger than the quantity that is necessary to provide the electrical output demanded from the fuel cell.