Importance

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Abstract

A fuel cell system includes a reformer producing hydrogen from fuel, a regulator for regulating the output pressure of the produced hydrogen, a fuel cell utilizing the produced hydrogen, a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the hydrogen upstream of the pressure regulator, a temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature within the reformer, a pump for introducing the fuel into the reformer, a first controller for controlling the output current of the fuel cell, and a second controller for controlling at least the fuel introduction rate into the reformer. The introduction rate of the fuel is responsive to output hydrogen pressure from the reformer in order to maintain at least one temperature within the reformer above a minimum level, as well as maintaining the pressure of the delivered purified hydrogen above a set pressure. Further, the output current of the fuel cell is reduced responsive to the pressure of the purified hydrogen in order to maintain a minimum hydrogen pressure to the fuel cell.

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First Claim