Fuel cell system and method for starting the fuel cell system

Abstract

This invention provides a method for starting a fuel cell system which can reliably conduct reforming from an early stage and can more reliably prevent an oxidative deterioration in anode, and a fuel cell system suitable for the method. The method is a method for starting a fuel cell system comprising a reformer comprising a reforming catalyst layer for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel to produce a hydrogen-containing gas, and a high temperature-type fuel cell for generating electric power using a hydrogen-containing gas. The method comprises a) the step of raising the temperature of the reforming catalyst layer while measuring the temperature of the reforming catalyst layer, b) the step of calculating the flow rate of a hydrocarbon fuel which can be reformed in the reforming catalyst layer based on the measured temperature of the reforming catalyst layer, and c) the step of supplying the hydrocarbon fuel at the calculated flow rate into the reforming catalyst layer to reform the fuel, and supplying the resultant reformed gas into an anode of a high temperature-type fuel cell. The amount of the hydrocarbon fuel supplied into the reforming catalyst layer is increased while repeating step b) and step c) until the amount of the hydrocarbon fuel supplied into the reforming catalyst layer reaches the flow rate at the time of the completion of the start.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system for generating electricity using reformed gas obtained by reforming hydrocarbon fuels such as kerosene and its starting method. Background technique [0002] In a solid oxide electrolyte fuel cell (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. Hereinafter sometimes referred to as SOFC depending on the situation.) system, it usually contains hydrogen-containing gas (reformed gas) for reforming hydrocarbon-based fuels such as kerosene or municipal gas. reformer and SOFC for electrochemically generating electricity from reformed gas and air. [0003] SOFC is usually operated at a high temperature of 550-1000°C. [0004] Reforming utilizes various reactions such as steam reforming (SR), partial oxidation reforming (POX), and autothermal reforming (ATR). However, in order to use a reforming catalyst, it may be necessary to heat to a temperature at which catalyst activity develops. [0005] Thus, sometimes both the reformer and...

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Problems solved by technology

In addition, the reaction temperature is relatively high, reaching 550-750°C, and a high-temperature heat source is necessary

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