FUEL CELL WITH INTERNAL REFORMER AND METHOD FOR ITS OPERATION

摘要

A fuel cell which can be a direct methanol fuel cell or a hydrogen fuel cell according to the operating methods. An internal reformer layer is introduced into each fuel cell unit. The reforming reaction takes place at said reforme r layer when the pressure and/or temperature is/are sufficiently high. The fue l being methanol/water is converted to hydrogen during said reaction. The arrangement of the reformer-catalyst layer within the cell guarantees that t he heat of the anode is used for reforming and that the anode is cooled by mean s of the endothermic reforming reaction.