Hydrogen-producing fuel cell system and method of operating a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system for backup power operation

Abstract

Hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems (HPFCS) and methods are provided. The HPFCS includes a fuel processor configured to generate hydrogen gas, a hydrogen storage device configured to contain stored hydrogen gas, and a fuel cell stack configured to generate an initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen gas and an oxidant, and a subsequent electrical output from the generated hydrogen gas and the oxidant. The method includes detecting an inability of a primary power source to satisfy an applied load. In response to the detection, the method includes initiating a startup of the fuel processor, supplying the stored hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack to generate the initial electrical output, satisfying the applied load with the initial electrical output, supplying the generated hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack after the startup to generate a subsequent electrical output, and satisfying the applied load with the subsequent electrical output.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 323,927, filed May 18, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 028,315, filed May 21, 2020, both of which have a similar invention title. The entire contents of both U.S. applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system configured for backup power applications, and to a method of operating a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system for backup power applications. Background Technology

[0004] Hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems typically include a fuel processor for generating hydrogen from a carbon-containing feedstock, and a fuel cell stack for generating electricity from the hydrogen. Hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems can be used in backup power applications. In such configurations, the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system is typically configured to generate electricity to satisfy an external load when the initial power source is insufficient to meet the external load from the energy-consuming device.

[0005] Once it is determined that the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system needs to meet the applied load, the fuel processor spends a finite start-up time to begin generating at least a minimum critical amount of hydrogen so that the fuel cell stack can produce sufficient electrical output to meet the applied load. As an example, this finite start-up time may be based on the time required to heat the fuel processor to the hydrogen production temperature range and / or the time required for the fuel processor to generate the hydrogen needed for the fuel cell stack to produce electrical output to meet the applied load.

[0006] Conventionally, batteries or battery packs can be used to meet external loads during the limited start-up time, and the required storage capacity of the battery can be based on both the magnitude of the external load and the duration of the limited start-up time. Batteries are expensive, maintenance-intensive, and are often stolen from remote facilities. Therefore, it may be necessary to reduce the limited start-up time of the fuel cell system, thereby allowing for a reduction in the required storage capacity of the battery and / or allowing for the elimination of the battery. Therefore, there is a need for improved hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems and methods for operating hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems for backup power applications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This document discloses a method for operating a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system configured for backup power applications. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system (HPFCS) includes a fuel processor, a hydrogen storage device, and a fuel cell stack. The fuel processor is configured to receive one or more feed streams and react the feed streams to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen storage device is configured to store a volume of the stored hydrogen. The fuel cell stack is configured to receive an oxidant and hydrogen and generate an electrical output from the oxidant and hydrogen. The fuel cell stack is configured to at least partially satisfy an applied load using the electrical output when the initial power source, normally adjusted to meet the applied load, is not providing an initial electrical output sufficient to meet the applied load. The HPFCS is configured to detect the impossibility of the initial power source meeting the applied load. In response to the detection of the impossibility that the initial power supply could satisfy the external load, the HPFCS is configured to: initiate the startup of the fuel processor; supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen during the startup of the fuel processor, and use the initial electrical output to at least partially satisfy the external load. When the fuel processor reaches hydrogen production status from startup, the HPFCS is configured to supply the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output, and use the subsequent electrical output to at least partially satisfy the external load.

[0008] The method includes detecting the impossibility that the initial power supply is sufficient to satisfy the external load. In response to this detection, the method includes initiating a supply of stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack, consuming the stored hydrogen in the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output, and using this initial electrical output to at least partially satisfy the external load. The method further includes initiating the startup of the fuel processor. After at least one critical startup time of the fuel processor, the method includes initiating a supply of generated hydrogen from the fuel processor to the fuel cell stack, consuming the generated hydrogen in the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output, and using this subsequent electrical output to at least partially satisfy the external load. Attached Figure Description

[0009] [ Figure 1 [This is an illustrative illustration of an example of a hydrogen production fuel cell system according to the present invention.]

[0010] [ Figure 2 [A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system according to the present invention.] Detailed Implementation

[0011] Figures 1 to 2Examples of a hydrogen production fuel cell system 10 and / or a method 200 according to the present invention are provided. Figures 1 to 2 In each of these, elements used for similar or at least substantially similar purposes are marked with the same number, and such elements may be disregarded. Figures 1 to 2 Each of these is discussed in detail in this article. Similarly, in Figures 1 to 2 In each of these documents, not all elements may be labeled, but for consistency, reference numbers associated with said elements may be used herein. Figures 1 to 2 The elements, components and / or features discussed in one or more of the above may include: Figures 1 to 2 any of and / or with Figures 1 to 2 Any of the above may be used together without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0012] Generally, elements likely to be included in a particular specific instance are illustrated with solid lines, while optional elements are illustrated with dashed lines. However, elements shown with solid lines may not be necessary, and in some specific instances may be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Dashed lines can be used to indicate information and / or communication connections.

[0013] Figure 1 This is an illustrative description of an example of a hydrogen production fuel cell system (HPFCS) 10 according to the present invention. Figure 1 As illustrated by the solid lines, the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system 10 includes a hydrogen storage device 20, a fuel cell stack 30, and a fuel processor 50. The fuel processor 50 is configured to receive one or more feed streams 61, examples of which include a carbonaceous feed 62 and water 64. The fuel processor 50 includes a recombining zone 60, wherein one or more feed streams 61 are reacted to produce and / or generate a mixed gas stream 66 comprising the generated hydrogen 52 and may also include other gases 68. At least a portion of the mixed gas stream 66, such as the generated hydrogen 52, may be provided or selectively provided to the fuel cell stack 30. Examples of the carbonaceous feed 62 include one or more alcohols or hydrocarbons, with methanol being a specific example. Water 64 may be delivered to the fuel processor as a liquid or vapor. When the carbonaceous feed and / or water are delivered to the fuel processor in liquid form, they are typically vaporized upon or before delivery to the recombining zone 60. The fuel processor 50 may also be referred to as a fuel processing system 50, a hydrogen generator 50, a hydrogen production assembly 50, a steam reformer 50, and / or a fuel reformer 50.

[0014] like Figure 1As shown, the fuel processor 50 may also include a purification assembly 72. The purification assembly 72 is configured to receive a mixed gas stream 66 in a self-recombining zone 60 and separate the mixed gas stream 66 into a purified hydrogen stream 73 and a byproduct stream 74. The purified hydrogen stream 73 comprises a greater concentration of hydrogen than the mixed gas stream 66 and contains other gases 68 at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream 66. The purified hydrogen stream 73 may contain pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen. The hydrogen contained in the purified hydrogen stream 73 is the generated hydrogen 52, consists of the generated hydrogen 52, or is substantially composed of the generated hydrogen 52. As used herein, at least substantially pure hydrogen may be greater than 90% pure, greater than 95% pure, greater than 99% pure, greater than 99.5% pure, and / or greater than 99.9% pure. In contrast, the byproduct stream 74 contains other gases at a greater total concentration than the mixed gas stream. The byproduct stream 74 may contain hydrogen, but it contains hydrogen at a lower concentration than the mixed gas stream.

[0015] More specific examples of purification assemblies 72 that may be included in and / or used in conjunction with fuel processor 50 are provided herein. HPFCS 10 may be configured to selectively deliver purified hydrogen stream 73 from purification assembly 72 to fuel cell stack 30. HPFCS 10 may also be configured to discharge byproduct stream 74 from HPFCS 10, store byproduct stream 74 and / or utilize byproduct stream 74 in a manner as discussed herein.

[0016] Hydrogen storage device 20 is configured to store a volume 22 of hydrogen and selectively supply this stored hydrogen to fuel cell stack 30. As used herein, hydrogen stored in or previously stored in hydrogen storage device 20 may be referred to as stored hydrogen 24. Fuel cell stack 30 reacts hydrogen such as stored hydrogen 24 and / or generated hydrogen 52 with oxidant 38 to generate and / or produce electrical output 40. Electrical output 40 may also be referred to herein as stacked electrical output 40 and may be supplied to DC / DC converter 48 before being supplied to an external load, which may be at least partially derived from energy consumption device 120. DC / DC converter 48 may change the voltage of stacked electrical output 40, such as the voltage generated by fuel cell stack 30, to the voltage of energy consumption device 120 configured to receive and / or utilize. As an example, DC / DC converter 48 may be a buck or step converter that reduces the voltage of stacked electrical output 40, or DC / DC converter 48 may be a boost converter that increases the voltage of stacked electrical output 40.

[0017] For convenience, the present invention will refer to HPFCS 10 as including fuel cell stack 30. However, within the scope of the present invention, HPFCS 10 may include any suitable number of fuel cell stacks 30, such as at least one fuel cell stack 30 and / or multiple fuel cell stacks 30.

[0018] As discussed, HPFCS 10 is configured to at least partially satisfy an external load using electrical output 40 from fuel cell stack 30 when the initial power supply 100, normally adjusted to satisfy the external load, is not providing an initial electrical output 102 to satisfy the external load. The external load may at least partially originate from energy-consuming device 120. Therefore, HPFCS 10 can be used to selectively power energy-consuming device 120 or provide backup power to energy-consuming device 120. The external load may also originate from one or more components, assemblies, actuators, and / or electrically powered elements of HPFCS 10, as discussed in more detail herein. For convenience, the present invention will refer to the external load as originating at least partially from energy-consuming device 120. However, the external load may also originate at least partially from multiple energy-consuming devices 120 within the scope of the invention; in this case, HPFCS 10 may be described as being used to selectively power multiple energy-consuming devices 120 or provide backup power to multiple energy-consuming devices 120.

[0019] As discussed in more detail herein, the primary power supply 100 can be configured to provide an alternating current (AC) primary output 102 or a direct current (DC) primary output 106. In an example where the primary power supply 100 is configured to provide a DC primary output, the DC primary output can be directly supplied to the energy consumption device 120. In an example where the primary power supply 100 is configured to provide an AC primary output 102, a rectifier 104 can be used to rectify the primary output to generate and / or produce the DC primary output 106 before it is supplied to and / or consumed by the energy consumption device 120.

[0020] The primary power source 100 may additionally or alternatively be used to provide power to at least a portion of the HPFCS 10 to power the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system or at least a portion thereof during the period when the primary power source is available to do so. In some instances, such as when the primary power source is configured to provide a DC primary power output, the primary power output may be provided directly to the HPFCS 10. In some instances, such as when the primary power source is configured to provide an AC primary power output, the rectifier 104 may be used to generate a DC primary power output 106, which may be provided to the HPFCS.

[0021] Primary power supply 100 may not always be available to reliably provide primary electrical output 102 to meet external loads from one or more energy-consuming devices 102 and / or HPFCS 10. For example, primary power supply 100 may be unreliable and / or subject to interruption. Furthermore, some energy-consuming devices 102 require a constant or near-constant supply of electrical output, and prudent backup protection must be provided, even if the primary power supply is traditionally a reliable source of primary electrical output 102. In these and other cases, and as referenced herein… Figure 2 Method 200 is described in more detail, whereby the HPFCS 10 can be configured to detect when the primary power supply 100 cannot meet an applied load. As an example, the HPFCS 10 may include and / or communicate with a primary power detector 80, which can be used to detect when the primary power supply cannot meet an applied load. Figure 1 This document describes an example of a suitable location for the primary power detector 80 to directly monitor the primary power output from the primary power source and / or monitor the charging status and / or bus voltage of the energy storage device 86. For the sake of brevity, the detection of the impossibility of the primary power source 100 satisfying an external load by the HPFCS 10 may be referred to herein as primary power source failure detection.

[0022] In response to the detection of the impossibility of the initial power supply 100 satisfying the external load, the HPFCS 10 is configured to provide electrical output 40 to the external load, and the electrical output 40 at least partially or completely satisfies the external load. More specifically, in response to the detection of an initial power failure, the HPFCS 10 is configured to initiate the startup of the fuel processor 50. As used herein, the startup of the fuel processor 50 may also be referred to as the startup procedure, startup process, and / or startup route of the fuel processor 50. During the startup of the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS may be configured to supply stored hydrogen 24 from the hydrogen storage device 20 to the fuel cell stack 30 to generate an initial electrical output 42 from the stored hydrogen 24, and the initial electrical output 42 at least partially satisfies and, if applicable, completely satisfies the external load. When the fuel processor 50 reaches the hydrogen production state upon startup, the HPFCS 10 is configured to supply the generated hydrogen 52 from the fuel processor 50 to the fuel cell stack 30, thereby generating a subsequent electrical output 46 from the generated hydrogen 52 and using the subsequent electrical output 46 to at least partially satisfy the external load. As discussed in more detail herein, when the generated hydrogen 52 is the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack 30, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to satisfy or fully satisfy the external load using the subsequent electrical output 46.

[0023] As mentioned herein, the initial electrical output 42 is the electrical output 40 generated by the fuel cell stack 30 by reacting the stored hydrogen 24 with the oxidant 38, and the subsequent electrical output 46 is the electrical output 40 generated by the fuel cell stack 30 by reacting the generated hydrogen 52 with the oxidant 38. Therefore, in slightly different terms, in response to the detection of the impossibility of the initial power supply 100 satisfying the external load, the HPFCS 10 is configured to initiate the startup of the fuel processor 50, at least partially satisfying the external load using the stored hydrogen 24 while the fuel processor 50 is starting up, and immediately after the fuel processor 50 has finished starting up, at least partially satisfying the external load using the generated hydrogen 52 produced by the fuel processor 50.

[0024] In this invention, when a particular electrical output (e.g., initial electrical output 42 or subsequent electrical output 46) is described as being used to "at least partially satisfy an external load," this may include a particular electrical output used to satisfy a portion or all of the external load. For an instance where a particular electrical output is used to satisfy a portion of the external load, the HPFCS 10 may utilize an additional electrical output or current source to satisfy the remaining portion of the external load. In this way, for an instance where a particular electrical output is used to satisfy a portion of the external load, the HPFCS 10 may use a combination of the particular electrical output and an additional electrical output or current source to satisfy or fully satisfy the external load. In other words, a particular electrical output described herein as being used to "at least partially satisfy an external load" does not necessarily mean that the external load only needs to be at least partially satisfied, but rather that the particular electrical output is used to satisfy a portion of the external load, and, where applicable, satisfies the entire external load, wherein any remaining portion of the external load is satisfied, where applicable, by an additional electrical output or current source.

[0025] For example, as discussed in more detail herein, the HPFCS 10 may include or otherwise be associated with an energy storage device 86. The energy storage device 86 is configured to store electrical energy and utilize the stored electrical energy to provide or selectively provide a stored current 88. As an example, the energy storage device may be configured to store electrical energy as rotational energy in a stored form (such as chemical energy), and / or selectively convert the stored form into electrical energy in an electric field, and provide or selectively provide electrical energy as the stored current 88. Therefore, in this invention, reference to the stored current 88 refers to the current provided from the energy storage device 86, such as by utilizing or releasing the electrical energy stored therein and / or by converting the stored form of energy therein into electrical energy by the energy storage device 86. The stored current 88 may also, or alternatively, be referred to herein as a standby current 88, bridging current 88, supplementary current 88, and / or release current 88. For some instances where the HPFCS 10 uses the initial electrical output 42 to satisfy a portion (i.e., partially satisfy the external load), the HPFCS 10 can be configured to use the stored current 88 from the energy storage device 86 to satisfy the remaining portion of the external load. Therefore, the HPFCS can be configured to fully satisfy the external load using the combination of the initial electrical output 42 and the stored current 88.

[0026] As another example, after the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 is initiated, the generated hydrogen 52 and stored hydrogen 24 may be supplied to fuel cell stack 30 synchronously or as a mixture for a relatively short period of time. As an example, the generated hydrogen 52 and stored hydrogen 24 may be supplied to fuel cell stack 30 via a common conduit. The stored hydrogen 24 may be present in the common conduit during the initiation of the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30. In such examples, the generated hydrogen 52 may be mixed with the stored hydrogen 24 in the common conduit, such that the mixture of generated hydrogen 52 and stored hydrogen 24 is supplied to fuel cell stack 30 for a relatively short or transitional period. In such examples, HPFCS 10 may be described as generating an intermediate electrical output 44 from this mixture, including an initial electrical output 42 and a subsequent electrical output 46. In some such examples, HPFCS 10 is configured to satisfy or fully satisfy an external load with the intermediate electrical output 44. In other words, during this short or transitional period when both the generated hydrogen 52 and the stored hydrogen 24 are supplied to the fuel cell stack 30, the HPFCS 10 can satisfy a portion of the external load with the initial electrical output 42 and the remaining portion with the subsequent electrical output 46. To initiate the start-up of the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to supply one or more feed streams 61 to the fuel processor 50, and the fuel processor 50 can begin generating a mixed gas flow 66 from the feed streams 61, including the generated hydrogen 52. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, HPFCS 10 may include a feed delivery system 160 configured to supply feed stream 61 to fuel processor 50. Feed delivery system 160 may include one or more feed stream pumps 161 for selectively delivering feed stream 61 from one or more feed stream suppliers 162 containing a volume of feed stream 61 to fuel processor 50. Feed stream pumps 161 may be electrically powered and thus may form part of an external load. Therefore, HPFCS 10 may be configured to provide power to feed stream pumps 161 to initiate the start-up of fuel processor 50, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0027] Typically, to enable the recombining zone 60 to efficiently generate the produced hydrogen 52 from the feed stream 61, the recombining zone 60 is heated to and maintained within the hydrogen production temperature range. More specific examples of hydrogen production temperature ranges are provided herein. When the recombining zone 60 operates at temperatures below the hydrogen production temperature range, it can generate a mixed gas stream 66 having a larger proportion of other gases 68 and a smaller proportion of the generated hydrogen 52 than when the recombining zone 60 operates within the hydrogen production temperature range. Therefore, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to heat the recombining zone 60 to and / or maintain it within the hydrogen production temperature range during startup of the fuel processor 50.

[0028] For this reason, such as Figure 1 As shown, HPFCS 10 may include a heating assembly 70 configured to heat at least the recombining zone 60 of fuel processor 50 to and / or maintain the recombining zone 60 within the hydrogen production temperature range. More specific examples of the heating assembly 70 are provided herein. The heating assembly 70 may also be configured and / or used to selectively heat and / or maintain the temperature of one or more additional components of HPFCS 10 (such as purification assembly 72) within one or more individual operating temperature ranges.

[0029] In some instances, the fuel processor 50 is a hot-start fuel processor 50, wherein when the initial power supply 100 meets the applied load, when the fuel processor 50 is not receiving the feed stream 61, and / or before starting the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS 10 uses the heating assembly 70 to maintain the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60 in a hot-start state. More specifically, to maintain the fuel processor 50 in a hot-start state, the HPFCS 10 may use the heating assembly 70 to maintain the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60 at or above the hot-start temperature, and / or within a hot-start temperature range greater than ambient temperature and / or within a critical fraction of the hydrogen production temperature range. Therefore, when the fuel processor 50 is a hot-start fuel processor 50, the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60 can be heated to the hydrogen production temperature range during startup via a smaller temperature increase. Therefore, the time required to start a hot-start fuel processor is less than the time required to start a non-hot-start fuel processor or to start a fuel processor that has been kept at ambient temperature before starting.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the heating assembly 70 may include a burner assembly 171 configured to combust a fuel source to heat the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60. In some instances, the HPFCS 10 is configured to supply a byproduct stream 74 from the purification assembly 72 to the burner assembly 171, and the burner assembly 171 combusts the byproduct stream to the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60. Thus, the HPFCS 10 may use the burner assembly 171 to heat the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60 during the start-up of the fuel processor 50 and / or while the fuel processor 50 is receiving the feed stream 61. The heating assembly 70 may additionally or alternatively include an electric heating assembly 172 configured to receive power, such as from the primary power source 100 and / or a battery or other energy storage device, and to use the power to heat the fuel processor 50 and / or the remodeling zone 60. Thus, the electric heating assembly 172 may form part of an external load. Specifically, such as prior to the start-up of the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS can use the electrically heated assembly 172 to keep the fuel processor 50 and / or the reheating zone 60 in a hot-start state.

[0031] As mentioned, during startup, the recombination zone 60 can generate hydrogen 52 as part of a mixed gas flow 66, which can then be delivered to the purification assembly 72 and separated by the purification assembly 72 into a byproduct flow 74 and a purified hydrogen flow 73 including the generated hydrogen. However, during startup of the fuel processor 50, the pressure and / or flow rate at which the recombination zone 60 generates the generated hydrogen 52 may be insufficient to meet the applied load. Alternatively, the pressure and / or flow rate at which the fuel processor 50 generates the purified hydrogen flow 73 may be insufficient to meet the applied load. In other words, the fuel processor 50 may generate the generated hydrogen 52 during startup at a pressure and / or flow rate lower than that required by the fuel cell stack 30 to generate an electrical output 40 sufficient to meet the applied load.

[0032] However, the pressure and / or flow rate of the generated hydrogen 52 produced by the fuel processor 50 can be increased during startup to become sufficient to meet the applied load. Therefore, the fuel processor 50 reaches a hydrogen-producing state when it produces and / or stably produces the generated hydrogen 52 at a hydrogen supply pressure sufficient to enable the fuel cell stack 30 to generate a sufficient electrical output 40 to meet the applied load. This hydrogen supply pressure is referred to herein as the minimum hydrogen supply pressure. Alternatively, the fuel processor 50 reaches a hydrogen-producing state when it produces the generated hydrogen 52 at a hydrogen flow rate sufficient to enable the fuel cell stack 30 to meet the applied load. This hydrogen flow rate is referred to herein as the minimum hydrogen flow rate. In other words, startup of the fuel processor 50 is completed when it reaches the hydrogen-producing state. When the fuel processor 50 includes a purification assembly 72, the hydrogen flow rate and / or the hydrogen supply pressure can be the flow rate and / or supply pressure of the purified hydrogen stream 73.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the fuel processor 50 may include a buffer tank 78 configured to receive the generated hydrogen 52 and / or purified hydrogen stream 73, and to store a volume of the generated hydrogen and / or purified hydrogen stream 73 before supplying it to the fuel cell stack 30. The buffer tank 78 may increase the stability of the generated hydrogen supply pressure to the fuel cell stack 30, and / or reduce the likelihood of pressure variations in the generated hydrogen 52 supplied to the fuel cell stack 30, thereby preventing damage.

[0034] During startup, the fuel processor 50 may deliver the generated hydrogen 52 to and pressurize the buffer tank 78 with the generated hydrogen 52. In some such instances, the fuel processor 50 reaches a hydrogen-producing state when the pressure of the generated hydrogen contained in the buffer tank 78 is at or exceeds the minimum generated hydrogen supply pressure. In slightly different terms, the generated hydrogen supply pressure may be equal to or include the pressure of the hydrogen stored in the buffer tank 78. Alternatively, when the fuel processor 50 includes a purification assembly 72, the generated hydrogen supply pressure may be equal to or include the pressure of the purified hydrogen stream 73. The pressure of the generated hydrogen in the buffer tank 78 may be referred to as the buffer pressure.

[0035] In light of the above, HPFCS 10 may require a short-term start-up time to generate subsequent electrical output 46 from the produced hydrogen 52. This short-term start-up time may include at least the duration between the start-up of fuel processor 50 and the completion of its start-up. The start-up of the fuel processor may be completed when fuel processor 50 reaches hydrogen production or when HPFCS 10 generates subsequent electrical output.

[0036] As mentioned, during the startup of the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to supply stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 to at least partially satisfy the external load with an initial electrical output 42. Specifically, the HPFCS 10 may include a stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 configured to allow or restrict the flow of stored hydrogen 24 from the hydrogen storage device 20 to the fuel cell stack 30. In response to an initial power failure detection, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to open the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 to allow the flow of stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 to generate the initial electrical output 42.

[0037] In view of the above, the hydrogen storage device 20 can be configured to supply the stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 during the critical start-up period. The hydrogen storage device 20 can be configured to store at least a volume 22 of the stored hydrogen 24 sufficient to satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period. In other words, the hydrogen storage device 20 can be configured to supply the stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 at a pressure and / or flow rate sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period. Therefore, and as used herein, reference to hydrogen sufficient to satisfy the applied load means that, when delivered to the fuel cell stack 30, the hydrogen (volume, pressure, flow rate, etc.) is sufficient to enable the fuel cell stack to generate an electrical output sufficient to satisfy the applied load. As discussed, the stored hydrogen 24 sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period may include stored hydrogen 24 sufficient to satisfy or fully satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period. Alternatively, the stored hydrogen 24 sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up time may include a portion of the stored hydrogen 24 sufficient to satisfy a portion of the applied load during the critical start-up time, wherein the stored current 88 is used, as appropriate, to satisfy the remaining portion of the applied load.

[0038] HPFCS 10 can be configured to supply stored hydrogen 24 to fuel cell stack 30 at a stored hydrogen supply pressure sufficient to at least partially meet the applied load. The stored hydrogen 24 in volume 22 can be contained in hydrogen storage device 20 at a pressure greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the HPFCS 10 may include at least one stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26 configured to reduce and / or otherwise regulate the pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 delivered to the fuel cell stack 30. The stored hydrogen pressure regulator 24 may be located at any suitable location between the hydrogen storage unit 20 and the fuel cell stack 30. The stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26 may be configured to maintain a pressure difference between the stored hydrogen 24 in the volume 22 and the stored hydrogen 24 supplied to the fuel cell stack 30, such that the pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 contained in the hydrogen storage unit 20 is greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure. In other words, the stored hydrogen supply pressure may be the pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 downstream of the stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26.

[0039] The hydrogen 24 stored in the hydrogen storage device 20, in volume 22, is sufficient to at least partially satisfy an external load. To at least partially satisfy the external load with the initial electrical output, the stored hydrogen 24 can be supplied to the fuel cell stack 30 at least at a minimum stored hydrogen flow rate (e.g., at the stored hydrogen supply pressure). For this purpose, the volume 22 of stored hydrogen 24 in the hydrogen storage device 20 sufficient to at least partially satisfy the external load during the limited start-up time can be greater than the volume of stored hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell stack 30 during the limited start-up time. In this way, the stored hydrogen 24 can be supplied from the hydrogen storage device 20 to the fuel cell stack 30 at at least a minimum stored hydrogen flow rate at the stored hydrogen supply pressure for the entire limited start-up time.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, HPFCS 10 may further include a stored hydrogen pressure detector 121, which is associated with and / or communicates with the hydrogen storage device 20 and is configured to detect the pressure of the hydrogen contained in the hydrogen storage device 20. Based on the pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 in the hydrogen storage device 20 detected by the stored hydrogen pressure detector 121, HPFCS 10 may be configured to determine whether the pressure and / or volume 22 of the stored hydrogen 24 contained in the hydrogen storage device 20 is sufficient to at least partially meet the applied load during the critical start-up time.

[0041] As discussed in more detail herein, to avoid damage to the fuel cell stack 30, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to allow the flow of stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 only when the pressure and / or volume 22 of the stored hydrogen 24 contained in the hydrogen storage device 20 is sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period, thereby generating the initial electrical output 42. For this purpose, in response to an initial power failure detection, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to use a stored hydrogen pressure detector 121 to determine whether the pressure and / or volume 22 of the stored hydrogen 24 in the hydrogen storage device 20 is sufficient to satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up period. The HPFCS 10 can further be configured to selectively actuate the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 to selectively allow or restrict the flow of stored hydrogen 24 based on this determination.

[0042] HPFCS 10 can be configured to at least partially satisfy an external load with initial electrical output 42 during the initial supply time of the critical limit. The initial supply time of the critical limit can be measured as the duration between the initial power failure detection and the generation of the initial electrical output 42. As discussed in more detail below, the initial supply time of the critical limit can be approximately several seconds, while the initial start-up time of the critical limit can be approximately several minutes or longer. Therefore, the supply of stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 can allow and / or facilitate improved and / or faster start-up of HPFCS 10, and / or allow HPFCS 10 to provide backup power to energy consumption device 120 faster, more efficiently, and / or more effectively than conventional HPFCS without hydrogen storage device 20. In other words, compared to conventional HPFCS without hydrogen storage device 20, HPFCS 10 can satisfy an external load more quickly due to the presence of hydrogen storage device 20.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, HPFCS 10 may include a generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 configured to regulate the flow of generated hydrogen 52 from fuel processor 50 to fuel cell stack 30. HPFCS 10 may be configured to open the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 when fuel processor 50 reaches hydrogen production state, thereby allowing the flow of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30. HPFCS 10 may also be configured to open the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 before fuel processor 50 reaches hydrogen production state and... / Alternatively, the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 may be kept closed while the fuel processor 50 is starting up to prevent the generated hydrogen 52 from being supplied to the fuel cell stack 30.

[0044] As mentioned, HPFCS 10 can be configured to initiate the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 when the fuel processor 50 generates generated hydrogen 52 at a flow rate sufficient to satisfy the applied load. In some such instances, HPFCS 10 includes a generated hydrogen flow rate detector 176 configured to detect the flow rate of generated hydrogen 52 and / or generated hydrogen via purified hydrogen stream 73, and HPFCS 10 can be configured to open generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 in response to generated hydrogen flow rate detector 176 detecting that the generated hydrogen flow rate meets or exceeds a threshold minimum generated hydrogen flow rate.

[0045] As another example, HPFCS 10 may include a generated hydrogen pressure detector 178 configured to detect the generated hydrogen supply pressure. HPFCS 10 may be configured to open a generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 to initiate the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 when the generated hydrogen supply pressure meets or exceeds a minimum generated hydrogen supply pressure threshold. As a more specific example, HPFCS 10 may be configured to initiate the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 when the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeds the stored hydrogen supply pressure (at which stored hydrogen 24 is supplied to fuel cell stack 30) and / or when the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure is a minimum pressure difference or exceeds the minimum pressure difference. This means that the hydrogen supply pressure is greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure by at least the minimum pressure difference. References herein Figure 2 Method 200 reveals more specific instances of critical pressure differentials.

[0046] As another example, HPFCS 10 can be configured to supply generated hydrogen 52 and stored hydrogen 24 to a common hydrogen supply line 174 configured to deliver hydrogen to fuel cell stack 30. In this example, HPFCS 10 may include a generated hydrogen check valve 76 configured to allow the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 when the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeds the stored hydrogen supply pressure. As yet another more specific example, the generated hydrogen check valve 76 may be configured with a crack pressure corresponding to a critical pressure difference, such that the generated hydrogen check valve allows the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to fuel cell stack 30 only when the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure meets or exceeds the critical pressure difference. In other words, during the startup of the fuel processor 50, the supply pressure of the stored hydrogen in the common hydrogen supply line 174 may exceed the supply pressure of the generated hydrogen, and / or the supply pressure of the generated hydrogen may be less than a threshold pressure difference or greater than the supply pressure of the stored hydrogen. This keeps the generated hydrogen check valve 76 closed and prevents fluid communication between the fuel processor 50 and the common hydrogen supply line 174. For this purpose, the generated hydrogen check valve 76 also prevents the flow (backflow) of the stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel processor 50, which can prevent damage to one or more components of the fuel processor 50. The generated hydrogen check valve 76 can automatically open when the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure meets or exceeds a threshold pressure difference to allow the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack 30.

[0047] When the fuel processor 50 includes a buffer tank 78, the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 and / or the generated hydrogen check valve 76 may be actuated in response to the pressure of the generated hydrogen 52 within the buffer tank 78, as discussed herein. Alternatively, when the fuel processor 50 includes a purification assembly 72, the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 and / or the generated hydrogen check valve 76 may be actuated in response to the pressure of the purified hydrogen stream 73, as discussed herein.

[0048] The HPFCS 10 can also be configured to limit and / or stop the flow of stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30 in response to the fuel processor 50 reaching a hydrogen production state. For example, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to close the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 in response to the fuel processor 50 reaching a hydrogen production state and / or in response to the supply of generated hydrogen 52 to the fuel cell stack 30, thereby stopping the flow of stored hydrogen 24 to the fuel cell stack 30. As a more specific example, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to close the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 in response to detection from the generated hydrogen flow detector 176 that the generated hydrogen flow rate meets or exceeds a minimum threshold generated hydrogen flow rate. As another more specific example, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to close the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 in response to detection from the generated hydrogen pressure detector 178 that the generated hydrogen supply pressure meets or exceeds a minimum threshold generated hydrogen supply pressure.

[0049] In an example where the HPFCS 10 is configured to supply stored hydrogen 24 and generated hydrogen 52 to the fuel cell stack 30 via a common hydrogen supply line 174, the HPFCS 10 may include a stored hydrogen check valve 77 configured to stop the flow of stored hydrogen to the common hydrogen supply line 174. The stored hydrogen check valve 77 may be configured to stop the flow of stored hydrogen to the common hydrogen supply line 174 in response to the generated hydrogen supply pressure meeting or exceeding the stored hydrogen supply pressure and / or in response to the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure meeting or exceeding a threshold pressure difference, as discussed herein. Alternatively, the generated hydrogen check valve 76 may include a three-way check valve configured to simultaneously stop the flow of stored hydrogen 24 and allow the flow of generated hydrogen to the common hydrogen supply line 174 in response to the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeding the stored hydrogen supply pressure and / or in response to the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure meeting or exceeding the threshold pressure difference.

[0050] HPFCS 10 can be configured to power one or more components of HPFCS 10 during the start-up of fuel processor 50 and / or during critical start-up times using a portion of the initial electrical output 42. Specifically, HPFCS 10 can be configured to facilitate the start-up of fuel processor 50 using the initial electrical output 42. As a more specific example, HPFCS 10 can be configured to power feed flow pump 161 with at least some of the initial electrical output 42 to deliver feed flow 61 to recombining zone 60. As another example, HPFCS 10 can be configured to actuate stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 and / or generated hydrogen flow control valve 54 using the initial electrical output 42 in a manner as discussed herein.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, HPFCS 10 may also include an energy storage device 86 and / or may otherwise be associated with an energy storage device 86. HPFCS 10 may direct the energy storage device 86 to provide or selectively provide the stored current 88 to at least partially satisfy an external load. For convenience, the present invention will refer to HPFCS 10 as including an energy storage device 86 and / or associated with an energy storage device 86. However, within the scope of the present invention, the energy storage device 86 may include any suitable number of energy storage devices, such as at least one energy storage device and / or multiple energy storage devices. Also within the scope of the present invention, the energy storage device 86 may be different from and / or external to HPFCS 10, such as... Figure 1 The dotted lines in the diagram illustrate this. More specific examples of suitable energy storage devices 86 or energy storage devices that may be included in suitable energy storage devices 86 are disclosed herein.

[0052] As referenced in this article Figure 2Method 200 is described in more detail, wherein the energy storage device 86 can be configured to meet the external load when neither the initial power source 100 nor the fuel cell stack 30 can meet the external load. As a more specific example, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to direct the energy storage device 86 to provide the stored current 88 to meet the external load during the critical initial supply period. In other words, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to direct the energy storage device 86 to provide the stored current 88 to meet the external load in response to an initial power failure detection and before the HPFCS 10 generates an initial electrical output 42 from the stored hydrogen 24. Thus, in some instances, the HPFCS 10 is configured to stop the supply of the stored current 88 from the energy storage device 86 to the external load in response to the generation of the initial electrical output 42. Alternatively, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to stop the supply of the stored current 88 from the energy storage device 86 to the external load in response to the generation of a subsequent electrical output 46. In this example, during the startup of the fuel processor 50, the HPFCS 10 can be configured to fully satisfy the external load with the combination of the initial electrical output 42 and the stored current 88.

[0053] The inclusion of hydrogen storage device 20 reduces the time required for HPFCS 10 to meet, or at least partially meet, the applied load using electrical output from fuel cell stack 30. Therefore, the size and / or total energy storage capacity of energy storage device 86 can be reduced due to the inclusion of hydrogen storage device 20 within HPFCS 10. In other words, compared to conventional HPFCS, HPFCS 10 can be attributed to the inclusion and / or use of hydrogen storage device 20 to provide initial electrical output 42, thus including and / or being associated with energy storage device 86 having a smaller total energy storage capacity. In other words, the total energy storage capacity of energy storage device 86 may be sufficient to meet the applied load during the initial supply period. However, the total energy storage capacity of energy storage device 86 may be less than the total energy storage capacity sufficient to meet the applied load for a duration exceeding the initial supply period. As a more specific example, the total energy storage capacity of energy storage device 86 may be less than the total energy storage capacity sufficient to meet the applied load for a sustained initial start-up period.

[0054] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method 200 for operating a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system (such as HPFCS 10) according to the present invention. Figure 2 In the dashed box, some steps are described, indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of method 200. That is, not all steps of method 200 need to be included in the steps described in the solid box. Figure 2The methods and steps described herein are not limiting, and as understood from the discussion herein, other methods and steps are within the scope of this invention, including methods having a number of steps greater than or less than those described. Each step or portion of method 200 may utilize... Figure 1 HPFCS 10 and / or its references herein Figure 1 This will be based on the parts explained and discussed. Similarly, this article references... Figure 2 Method 200 describes any of the characteristics, functions, structures, configurations, properties, attributes, variations, and options of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing system, and Method 200 may include, according to Figure 1 It can be used in or with HPFCS 10.

[0055] Method 200 includes detecting the impossibility of satisfying an external load at step 205, and may include initiating the supply of stored current at step 210 and / or determining at step 215 that the hydrogen storage device contains sufficient hydrogen. Method 200 also includes initiating the start-up of the fuel processor at step 220 and initiating the supply of stored hydrogen at step 225, and method 200 may include regulating the supply of stored hydrogen at step 230. Method 200 further includes consuming the stored hydrogen at step 240, and method 200 may include selectively allowing the fuel cell stack to generate initial electrical output at step 245. Method 200 also includes satisfying an external load with the initial electrical output at step 250. Method 200 may include purifying the generated hydrogen at step 260. Method 200 further includes initiating the supply of generated hydrogen at step 265, and may include regulating the generated hydrogen supply pressure at step 270 and / or restricting the flow of stored hydrogen at step 275. Method 200 also includes consuming the generated hydrogen at step 280 and satisfying the external load with subsequent electrical output at step 285.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the flowchart, the first branch indicates at least some of the steps performed together with or in combination with the stored hydrogen, wherein these steps are described sequentially. The second branch indicates some of the steps of method 200 performed together with, in combination with, and / or to generate the generated hydrogen, and these steps are described sequentially. The steps of method 200 at the first branch are described in parallel with the steps shown at the second branch. As discussed in more detail herein, in some instances of method 200, Figure 2 One or more steps described in the second bifurcation can be independent of the Figure 2 One or more steps described in the first bifurcation are performed, and / or relative to in Figure 2The one or more steps described in the first bifurcation are performed in any suitable order or timing. In some other instances of method 200, Figure 2 One or more steps described in the second bifurcation can be related to Figure 2 One or more steps of the first bifurcation proceed sequentially, responding to Figure 2 The first bifurcation is carried out in one or more steps, in Figure 2 The first bifurcation occurs before one or more steps, and / or with Figure 2 One or more steps of the first bifurcation are performed together.

[0057] The detection of the impossibility of the primary power supply satisfying the external load at step 205 can be performed in any suitable manner and / or using any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to detect the impossibility of the primary power supply satisfying the external load. As an example, the detection at step 205 may include by, through, and / or using Figure 1 The initial power detector 80 detects, examples of which are disclosed herein. As mentioned, the external load may originate from an energy-consuming device and / or from one or more components of the HPFCS. Examples of the initial power source, energy-consuming device, and components of the HPFCS 10 that may be included in the external load are also disclosed herein. Examples of components of the HPFCS that may define a portion of the external load prior to detection at step 205 include the electric heating assembly of the HPFCS or an electric heating assembly associated with the HPFCS, such as Figure 1 The electric heating assembly 172, and / or the controller of the HPFCS, such as Figure 1 The controller 90.

[0058] The detection at step 205 may include detecting the absence of the initial electrical output from the primary power source to the energy-consuming device. As another example, the detection at step 205 may include detecting a decrease in the monitored voltage. Examples of monitored voltages include the primary power source (such as...) Figure 1 The initial voltage of the primary power supply 100), the grid voltage of the power grid configured to provide grid current to the energy consumption device, and / or the energy storage device (such as...) configured to provide stored current to the energy consumption device. Figure 1 The voltage of the energy storage device (86) of the energy storage device. Additional examples of monitored voltage include the voltage supplied to the HPFCS, and the voltage supplied to the HPFCS by electric heating assemblies (such as...) to maintain the HPFCS in a standby and / or thermally activated state. Figure 1 The voltage of the electric heating assembly 172), and / or any other suitable voltage supplied to the energy-consuming device.

[0059] The reduction in monitored voltage can have any suitable value. As an example, the reduction in monitored voltage can be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, and / or at least 50% of the nominal voltage value. As additional examples, the reduction in monitored voltage can be at least 0.5 volts, at least 1 volt, at least 1.5 volts, at least 2 volts, at least 2.5 volts, at least 3 volts, at least 4 volts, at least 5 volts, up to 10 volts, up to 9 volts, up to 8 volts, up to 7 volts, up to 6 volts, up to 5 volts, up to 4 volts, and / or up to 3 volts.

[0060] In some instances, and after the detection at step 205, method 200 may include maintaining the energy-consuming device in a non-powered state before satisfying step 250 and / or before the initial electrical output is supplied to the energy-consuming device. In some such instances, method 200 may further include starting the energy-consuming device, connecting the energy-consuming device, and / or energizing the energy-consuming device in response to receiving the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack. This configuration (which may be referred to herein as "black start") can reduce the total energy consumption of the HPFCS and / or the energy-consuming device before the initial electrical output is generated by the fuel cell stack. This can reduce the need for, and / or reduce, the required energy storage capacity of, the HPFCS (if present).

[0061] In some instances, the HPFCS may include and / or be associated with an energy storage device that can be configured to selectively supply stored current to an external load to satisfy the external load during the period between when the initial power supply is initially unable to do so and when the HPFCS 10 begins to generate sufficient electrical output to do so. Examples of energy storage devices are disclosed herein.

[0062] In some such instances, method 200 may include initiating the supply of the stored current at step 210. Initiation at step 210 may include initiating the supply of the stored current to an external load, which may originate from one or more components of the HPFCS and / or energy-consuming devices. Initiation at step 210 and / or the supply of the stored current to the external load may occur in response to detection at step 205, and / or may occur at least partially simultaneously with initiation at step 225 and / or with the supply of stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack.

[0063] Determining at step 215 that the hydrogen storage device includes sufficient hydrogen may include determining that the HPFCS's hydrogen storage device (which is configured to respond to startup at step 225 and / or to supply stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack after startup at step 225) includes hydrogen and / or contains hydrogen. Alternatively, the determination at step 215 may include determining that the hydrogen storage device includes sufficient hydrogen to supply stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack for at least the fuel processor's critical start-up time.

[0064] Specifically, the determination at step 215 may include determining that the volume of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device is sufficient to supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a hydrogen flow rate sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load for at least the critical start-up time. The determination at step 215 may also include determining that the volume of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device is sufficient to supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a hydrogen supply pressure sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load for at least the critical start-up time. Examples of hydrogen storage devices are disclosed herein. Examples of HPFCS and fuel cell stacks are also disclosed herein.

[0065] The determination at step 215 may include, for example, by exploitation Figure 1 The stored hydrogen pressure detector 121 is used to detect the pressure of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, and to determine, based on the pressure of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, whether the pressure and / or volume of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device is sufficient to meet the external load for at least the critical start-up time.

[0066] The determination at step 215 can be performed prior to startup at step 225 to reduce the likelihood of damage to the fuel cell stack. As an example, fuel cell stacks are typically configured such that if the supply of fuel (e.g., hydrogen) to the fuel cell stack is insufficient to meet the applied load, the fuel cell stack will operate under an inefficient operating mechanism that will generate excessive heat. This excessive heat may be detrimental to the operation of the fuel cell stack and / or may damage it. Therefore, the determination at step 215 can be used to ensure that the fuel cell stack is not damaged during startup at step 225, when the hydrogen storage device supplies stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and / or when the fuel cell stack supplies its initial electrical output to the energy consumption device.

[0067] Initiating the supply of stored hydrogen at step 225 may include activating the hydrogen storage device (such as the hydrogen storage unit of the HPFCS) from the stored hydrogen. Figure 1The hydrogen storage device 20) supplies hydrogen to the anode or anode region of the fuel cell stack. Start-up at step 225 can be performed in any suitable sequence or timing within method 200. As an example, start-up at step 225 may be at least partially a response to and / or a result of detection at step 205. Start-up at step 225 may also be performed before and / or at least substantially simultaneously with the start-up of the fuel processor at step 220, before the supply of generated hydrogen at step 265, before the adjustment of the supply of stored hydrogen at step 230, and / or before the consumption of stored hydrogen at step 240.

[0068] The startup at step 225 can be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, the hydrogen storage device may include, contain, and / or contain a volume of stored hydrogen, and the startup at step 225 may include flowing at least a portion of that volume of stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device and / or to the fuel cell stack. Within the scope of the invention, the volume of stored hydrogen may be sufficient to operate the HPFCS and / or satisfy an external load for at least a critical initial supply time, examples of which are disclosed herein with reference to the satisfaction at step 250. The startup at step 225 may also include supplying the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a stored hydrogen flow rate and / or at a stored hydrogen supply pressure. The stored hydrogen flow rate may be a minimum critical flow rate of hydrogen sufficient to enable the fuel cell stack to generate initial electrical output and at least partially satisfy an external load. Similarly, the stored hydrogen supply pressure may be a minimum critical pressure of hydrogen sufficient to enable the fuel cell stack to generate initial electrical output and at least partially satisfy an external load.

[0069] The flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack can be controlled and / or regulated in any suitable manner. As an example, a flow control valve (such as...) Figure 1 The stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 can be used to selectively allow and / or block the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. In this example, activation at step 225 may include selectively opening the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 to allow the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. In some examples, method 200 includes opening the stored hydrogen control valve to activate the supply of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack using a portion of the stored current.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown, method 200 may include regulating the supply of stored hydrogen at step 230, and this regulation may include selectively delivering the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack and / or regulating the stored hydrogen supply pressure to the fuel cell stack. More specifically, the stored hydrogen may be contained in a hydrogen storage device at a storage pressure, and method 200 may include supplying the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a pressure different from (e.g., less than) the storage pressure. In such an example, the regulation at step 230 includes regulating the stored hydrogen supply pressure, which may include a stored hydrogen pressure regulator utilizing an HPFCS. Figure 1 An example of the stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26 is described at point 26.

[0071] Examples of stored hydrogen supply pressures include pressures of at least 50 kPa, at least 60 kPa, at least 70 kPa, at least 80 kPa, at least 90 kPa, at least 100 kPa; and up to 150 kPa, up to 140 kPa, up to 130 kPa, up to 120 kPa, up to 110 kPa, up to 100 kPa, up to 90 kPa, up to 80 kPa, up to 70 kPa, up to 60 kPa, and / or up to 50 kPa. As discussed in more detail herein with reference to the limitation at step 275, when the fuel processor is in hydrogen production mode, the stored hydrogen supply pressure may be less than the generated hydrogen supply pressure, which may permit and / or facilitate an efficient, effective, and / or automatic transition from operation of a fuel cell stack utilizing stored hydrogen from a hydrogen storage device to operation of a fuel cell stack utilizing generated hydrogen from a fuel processor.

[0072] Alternatively or concurrently, the adjustment at step 230 may include selectively delivering the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, such as its anode, and preventing the flow of the stored hydrogen to other parts of the HPFCS. As a more specific example, the adjustment at step 230 may include restricting the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel processor, which may include blocking, clogging, and / or stopping the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel processor, and this restriction may be carried out at any suitable timing, in any suitable manner, and / or using any suitable structure. As a more specific example, restricting the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel processor may include by means of, through, and / or using a check valve (such as...) Figure 1The generated hydrogen check valve 76 restricts the flow of fluid from the recombining zone 60 and / or purification assembly 72 toward the fuel cell stack 30 when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is at least at the minimum threshold generated hydrogen supply pressure, and restricts the flow of fluid from the fuel cell stack 30 and / or hydrogen storage device 20 toward and / or to the fuel processor 50 and / or its components (such as purification assembly 72). This configuration can reduce the possibility of back pressure on one or more components of the fuel processor.

[0073] When included in method 200, the adjustment at step 230 can be performed in any suitable order or timing within method 200, such as at least after startup at step 225 and / or during the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Method 200 includes consuming the stored hydrogen at step 240. Consumption at step 240 may include consuming the stored hydrogen within and / or on the fuel cell stack to generate and / or produce an initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack. Consumption at step 240 may be in response to detection at step 205 and / or activation at step 225 and / or as a result thereof. Alternatively or concurrently, consumption at step 240 may be in response to receiving stored hydrogen and / or oxidant from the fuel cell stack and / or as a result thereof.

[0075] As discussed in more detail herein, a fuel cell stack can consume both fuel (such as hydrogen, stored hydrogen, and / or generated hydrogen) and oxidant (such as oxygen and / or air containing oxygen) to generate and / or produce electrical output, such as initial electrical output and / or subsequent electrical output. For this purpose, the consumption at step 240 may include supplying oxidant to the fuel cell stack. More specifically, the consumption at step 240 may include supplying oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell stack.

[0076] The consumption at step 240 may include actively supplying oxidant to the fuel cell stack. As an example, a fan, compressor, and / or other oxidant transport structure may be used to actively supply oxidant to the fuel cell stack. As another example, the oxidant may be supplied from a pressurized oxidant source, wherein the flow of oxidant to the fuel cell stack is controlled and / or regulated by an oxidant supply valve. Examples of fuel cell stacks that can actively supply oxidant include closed cathode fuel cell stacks and / or open cathode fuel cell stacks.

[0077] Alternatively, the consumption at step 240 may include passively supplying oxidant to the fuel cell stack. As an example, the cathode of an open cathode fuel cell stack may be exposed to air, and natural convection in the air and / or a naturally occurring oxidant concentration gradient may generate and / or produce sufficient flow of oxidant to the fuel cell stack to accommodate the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. In such examples, supplying oxidant to the fuel cell stack may also be referred to herein as allowing ambient air to contact and / or flow through the open cathode.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Method 200 may include selectively permitting the fuel cell stack to generate initial electrical output at step 245, which may include selectively permitting the fuel cell stack to generate initial electrical output based on any suitable criteria. As an example, selective permission at step 245 may be based on and / or in response to a determination at step 215. In other words, the determination at step 215 may include determining that the hydrogen storage device contains sufficient hydrogen to permit the operation of the fuel cell stack and / or the generation of initial electrical output without damaging the hydrogen stored in the fuel cell stack. Under these conditions, selective permission at step 245 permits the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack. In contrast, if the determination at step 215 includes the condition that there is insufficient stored hydrogen to permit the operation of the fuel cell stack without damaging the hydrogen storage device of the fuel cell stack, selective permission at step 245 may not be performed and / or may prevent the fuel cell stack from providing initial electrical output to the energy consumption device.

[0079] As another example, an HPFCS can typically be configured to allow subsequent electrical output from the fuel cell stack only while the fuel processor is generating hydrogen and / or after the fuel processor's critical start-up time. In this configuration, selective permission at step 245 includes selectively allowing initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack before the fuel processor's critical start-up time expires, before the fuel processor is generating hydrogen, and / or before the fuel processor reaches hydrogen-producing state.

[0080] The selective permission at step 245 can be performed in any suitable manner. As an example, selective permission at step 245 includes allowing the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the determination at step 215 includes determining that the hydrogen storage device contains sufficient hydrogen. Conversely, selective permission at step 245 includes restricting the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the determination at step 215 includes determining that the hydrogen storage device does not contain sufficient hydrogen.

[0081] Method 200 further includes satisfying the external load with an initial electrical output at step 250, which may include satisfying the external load at least partially or even fully with the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack. More specifically, satisfying at step 250 may include satisfying the external load with an initial electrical output 42 provided from the fuel cell stack 30 to the energy consumption device 120 (which in... Figure 1 The external load portion (described in the text). As discussed herein with reference to the start-up at step 220, the fulfillment at step 250 may also include fulfilling the external load portion from one or more components of the HPFCS (such as one or more feed flow pumps). As a further example, fulfilling at step 250 may include actuating one or more flow control valves and / or one or more pressure regulators of the HPFCS using the external load. As a more specific example, fulfilling at step 250 may include selectively opening the generated hydrogen flow control valve using the initial electrical output.

[0082] In some instances, satisfying step 250 may include fully satisfying the external load with the initial electrical output and / or satisfying the external load with only the initial electrical output. Therefore, for an instance where method 200 includes initiation at step 210, satisfying step 250 may include stopping the supply of stored current to the external load when the external load is fully satisfied with the initial electrical output. In other instances, such as when method 200 includes initiation at step 210, satisfying step 250 may include partially satisfying the external load with the initial electrical output, partially satisfying the external load with the stored current, and fully satisfying the external load with a combination of the initial electrical output and the stored current.

[0083] Satisfaction at step 250 may include at least partially satisfying the applied load with the initial electrical output during the start-up timeframe in which the stored hydrogen is the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack. Examples of start-up timeframes are illustrated herein with reference to the critical start-up timeframes of fuel processors.

[0084] The fulfillment at step 250 may additionally or alternatively include satisfying the external load at least partially with the initial electrical output during the initial supply time of the limit. Examples of the initial supply time of the limit include at least 1 second (s), at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 35 seconds, at least 40 seconds, at least 45 seconds, up to 120 seconds, up to 110 seconds, up to 100 seconds, up to 90 seconds, up to 80 seconds, up to 70 seconds, up to 60 seconds, up to 50 seconds, up to 40 seconds, up to 30 seconds, up to 20 seconds, up to 10 seconds, and / or up to 5 seconds.

[0085] Within the scope of this invention, the initial supply time may be less than a fraction of the fuel processor's initial start time. Examples of fractions of the initial start time include less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the fuel processor's initial start time.

[0086] The external load satisfied at step 250 may originate from the same or different component as the external load prior to detection at step 205, or may be an external load satisfied by the initial electrical output. For example, when the external load is at least partially satisfied with the initial electrical output, the satisfaction at step 250 may not include powering the electrically heated assembly using a portion of the initial electrical output. As another example, the external load at least partially satisfied during the satisfaction period at step 250 may originate at least partially from one or more components of the HPFCS, such as one or more feed flow pumps (e.g., the HPFCS's feed delivery system) of the HPFCS. Figure 1 The feed flow pump 161), one or more components of the fuel processor and / or one or more valves of the HPFCS, and the external load prior to detection at step 205 may not originate from one or more feed flow pumps.

[0087] Starting the fuel processor at step 220 may include starting... Figure 1 The start-up of the fuel processor 50 of the HPFCS 10. The start-up at step 220 may be at least partially in response to the detection at step 205, may be at least partially simultaneous with the start-up at step 225, may be performed after the start-up at step 225, and may be at least partially simultaneous with the fulfillment at step 250 during the supply of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. Examples of suitable fuel processors are disclosed herein.

[0088] Startup at step 220 may include initiating the supply of one or more feed streams to the reorganization zone or hydrogen production zone of the fuel processor. Examples of one or more feed streams include carbon-containing feeds and water, which are discussed in more detail herein. In a particular instance, such as when the reorganization zone is a vapor reorganization zone, one or more feed streams may include alcohols (such as methanol) and water. Startup at step 220 may additionally or alternatively include heating the reorganization zone of the fuel processor and / or the purification assembly of the fuel processor to a hydrogen production temperature range, examples of which are disclosed herein. Heating may be performed by, through, and / or using a heating assembly (such as...) Figure 1 Heating assembly 70). Examples of heating assemblies are shown in this article.

[0089] In some instances, the fuel processor may include and / or be a thermally activated fuel processor that maintains the recombination zone 60 and / or the purification assembly 72 near and / or within a hydrogen production temperature range. Examples of thermally activated temperatures include temperatures at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the lower limit of the hydrogen production temperature range, as measured in degrees Celsius. Additional examples of thermally activated temperatures include temperatures at most 100%, at most 95%, at most 90%, at most 85%, at most 80%, or at most 75% of the upper limit of the hydrogen production temperature range, as measured in degrees Celsius. Another example of thermally activated temperatures includes temperatures within a hydrogen production temperature range.

[0090] Examples of lower limits for hydrogen production temperature ranges include temperatures of at least 200 degrees Celsius (°C), at least 225°C, at least 250°C, at least 275°C, at least 300°C, at least 325°C, at least 350°C, at least 375°C, at least 400°C, at least 425°C, at least 450°C, at least 475°C, at least 500°C, at least 525°C, at least 550°C, at least 575°C, at least 600°C, at least 625°C, at least 650°C, at least 675°C, at least 700°C, at least 725°C, or at least 750°C. Examples of upper limits for the hydrogen production temperature range include temperatures up to 900°C, up to 875°C, up to 850°C, up to 825°C, up to 800°C, up to 775°C, up to 750°C, up to 725°C, up to 700°C, up to 675°C, up to 650°C, up to 625°C, up to 600°C, up to 575°C, up to 550°C, up to 525°C, up to 500°C, up to 475°C, up to 450°C, up to 425°C, or up to 400°C.

[0091] For some instances where the fuel processor is a hot-start fuel processor, startup at step 220 may include raising the temperature of the fuel processor and / or reorganization zone from the hot-start temperature to a hydrogen production temperature range. For some instances where the fuel processor is a hot-start fuel processor, method 200 may include maintaining the fuel processor in a hot-start state prior to detection. In such instances, maintaining the fuel processor in a hot-start state includes utilizing electrically heated assemblies (such as...) Figure 1 The electric heating assembly 172 heats the fuel processor to the thermal ignition temperature range. In some such instances, maintaining the fuel processor in a thermally ignited state includes heating the fuel processor using an electric heating assembly with the initial electrical output from the primary power supply.

[0092] The startup at step 220 may include using a portion of the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack to power and / or actuate one or more components of the HPFCS. As an example, the startup at step 220 may include using at least some of the initial electrical output to power one or more feed flow pumps (such as…) Figure 1 The feed flow pump 161 is powered to selectively deliver one or more feed flows to the fuel processor. Therefore, in some instances, at least a portion of the initiation at step 220 occurs together with and / or after the fulfillment at step 250.

[0093] Method 200 may further include purifying the generated hydrogen at step 260. Purification at step 260 may include removing one or more impurities from the hydrogen before it is supplied to the fuel cell stack. As an example, the fuel processor may include a purification assembly, such as... Figure 1 Purification assembly 72. In this example, the recombination zone can be configured to generate a mixed gas stream including hydrogen and other gases, and the purification assembly can be configured to separate the mixed gas stream into a purified hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream. Figure 1 The description states that the purification assembly 72 receives the mixed gas stream 66 and separates the mixed gas stream into a purified hydrogen stream 73 and a byproduct stream 74 including other gases 68. When method 200 includes purification at step 260, startup at step 265 may include starting the supply of purified hydrogen to the fuel cell stack as the generated hydrogen.

[0094] In some instances of HPFCS, and such as Figure 1 As indicated at component symbol 78, the fuel processor may include a buffer tank. In such examples, method 200 may further include storing a volume of generated hydrogen and / or purified hydrogen in the buffer tank prior to the supply of the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. In some such examples, method 200 may further include pressurizing the buffer tank with the generated hydrogen and / or purified hydrogen. This configuration may increase the pressure stability of the generated hydrogen as it is supplied to the fuel cell stack, and / or reduce the likelihood of pressure fluctuations in the generated hydrogen after startup at step 265.

[0095] Method 200 further includes initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen at step 265, which may include initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen from the fuel processor to the fuel cell stack. Initiation at step 265 may be performed after at least the critical start-up time of the fuel processor and / or after the fuel processor has begun generating the generated hydrogen. Alternatively, and when the HPFCS includes a buffer tank, initiation at step 265 may be performed after the buffer tank has been pressurized to at least the critical buffer pressure with the generated hydrogen.

[0096] In some instances, the activation at step 265 may additionally or alternatively include activating the supply of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack in response to the fuel processor reaching a hydrogen-producing state. As discussed herein, a fuel processor reaching a hydrogen-producing state may include a fuel processor producing generated hydrogen at a generated hydrogen flow rate sufficient to satisfy an applied load. Additionally or alternatively, a fuel processor reaching a hydrogen-producing state may include a fuel processor producing generated hydrogen at a generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeding the stored hydrogen supply pressure (and / or i.e., a critical pressure differential greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure) that supplies stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0097] The critical start-up time of a fuel processor typically includes the time required for the fuel processor to reach hydrogen-producing status and / or the time required for the fuel processor to produce sufficient hydrogen to meet the applied load. Examples of critical start-up times include at least 1 minute, at least 1.5 minutes, at least 2 minutes, at least 2.5 minutes, at least 3 minutes, at least 3.5 minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 4.5 minutes, at least 5 minutes, up to 30 minutes, up to 25 minutes, up to 20 minutes, up to 15 minutes, up to 10 minutes, up to 9 minutes, up to 8 minutes, up to 7 minutes, up to 6 minutes, up to 5 minutes, and / or up to 4 minutes. Generally, and as discussed, the critical start-up time of the fuel processor is greater than the critical initial supply time required to at least partially meet the applied load using stored hydrogen.

[0098] The initiation at step 265 can be controlled and / or regulated in any suitable manner. As one example, the initiation at step 265 can be controlled and / or be a result of the regulation at step 270. As another example, the initiation at step 265 may include opening the generated hydrogen flow control valve (such as...). Figure 1 The generated hydrogen flow control valve 54) is used to initiate the supply of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. Alternatively or concurrently, for HPFCS, the references herein include... Figure 1 In the example of the generated hydrogen check valve 76 discussed, the activation at step 265 can be performed automatically and / or occur if the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure exceeds a threshold pressure difference or is at least greater than this threshold pressure difference.

[0099] Adjusting the generated hydrogen supply pressure at step 270 may include regulating the generated hydrogen supply pressure that supplies the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and may be achieved in any suitable manner. As an example, the HPFCS may include a generated hydrogen pressure regulator, such as... Figure 1 The generated hydrogen pressure regulator 56 can be configured to adjust the generated hydrogen supply pressure.

[0100] The adjustment at step 270 may include ensuring that the generated hydrogen supply pressure is at least one pressure differential greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure. This configuration allows the HPFCS to switch from supplying stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, or automatically switch to supplying generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, in response to the initiation of the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. In other words, after supplying generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack with a pressure differential greater than the stored hydrogen supply pressure, the stored hydrogen pressure regulator and / or the stored hydrogen check valve may stop the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0101] The adjustment at step 270 may include using a check valve (such as) generated hydrogen gas. Figure 1 The generated hydrogen supply pressure is regulated by a hydrogen check valve 76. More specifically, the regulation at step 270 may include restricting the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack during fuel processor startup and / or when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than a threshold pressure difference with the stored hydrogen supply pressure. The regulation at step 270 may also include allowing or automatically allowing the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure is a threshold pressure difference or exceeds a threshold pressure difference. In other words, the regulation at step 270 may include automatically allowing the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is greater than at least the crack pressure of the generated hydrogen check valve than the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0102] The critical pressure differential can have any suitable value. As an example, the critical pressure differential can be at least 0.25 kPa, at least 0.5 kPa, at least 0.75 kPa, at least 1 kPa, at least 2 kPa, at least 3 kPa, at least 4 kPa or at least 5 kPa, up to 60 kPa, up to 50 kPa, up to 40 kPa, up to 30 kPa, up to 20 kPa, up to 10 kPa, up to 8 kPa, up to 6 kPa, up to 5 kPa, up to 4 kPa and / or up to 3 kPa.

[0103] Method 200 further includes restricting the flow of stored hydrogen at step 275. Restriction at step 275 may include stopping the supply of stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack. Restriction may be performed using a stored hydrogen check valve and / or a stored hydrogen flow regulator to limit or stop the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, as discussed herein in conjunction with the regulation at step 270.

[0104] The shutdown may be based on and / or in response to any suitable criteria. For example, the shutdown may be in response to activation at step 265 and / or after activation at step 265, and / or as a result of adjustment at step 270. The limitation at step 275 may also be in response to the fuel processor reaching hydrogen production status and / or in response to the pressure difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and / or the pressure difference exceeding the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0105] In some instances, method 200 may include a transition from an initial configuration (where the initial electrical output is generated solely from stored hydrogen) or an automatic transition to a subsequent configuration (where the subsequent electrical output is generated solely from generated hydrogen). In some such instances, the transition may include an immediate transition from the initial configuration to the subsequent configuration. In some such instances, the transition may include a transition from the initial configuration to an intermediate configuration, and subsequently from the intermediate configuration to the subsequent configuration. When in the intermediate configuration, the fuel cell stack may generate an intermediate electrical output from both the stored hydrogen and the generated hydrogen. In other words, the intermediate electrical output may include both the initial electrical output 42 and the subsequent electrical output 46. This description is based on... Figure 1 In the middle, the intermediate electrical output 44 is supplied from the fuel cell stack 30 to the energy consumption device 120.

[0106] The consumption of the generated hydrogen at step 280 may include the consumption of the generated hydrogen within and / or in the fuel cell stack to generate and / or generate subsequent electrical output from the fuel cell stack. The consumption at step 280 may be a response to or a result of the startup at step 265. The consumption at step 280 may be performed in a manner similar to the consumption at step 240. For example, the consumption at step 280 may include supplying an oxidant to the fuel cell stack, as discussed herein with respect to the consumption at step 240.

[0107] Meeting the external load with subsequent electrical output at step 285 may include meeting the external load at least partially or even fully with subsequent electrical output from the fuel cell stack. As discussed herein with reference to the consumption at step 240, the consumption at step 280 may include meeting the external load with subsequent electrical output 46 provided from the fuel cell stack 30 to the energy consumption device 120 (which in... Figure 1 The external load portion (as explained in the text).

[0108] Within the scope of this invention, satisfying the load at step 285 may include satisfying the external load using only subsequent electrical output or using only subsequent electrical output. In other words, and after the start-up timeframe and / or after the critical start-up time (where the stored hydrogen may be the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack), the HPFCS may switch to supplying only the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0109] Within the scope of this invention, the hydrogen storage device can be configured to be readily available. For this reason, and following the limitation at step 275, method 200 may further include replacing the hydrogen storage device with a new or fully charged hydrogen storage device. Alternatively or concurrently, method 200 may include refilling the hydrogen storage device with the generated hydrogen (this may be done by allowing the fuel processor to generate the generated hydrogen), while the HPFCS 10 does not meet the external load (e.g., while the initial power supply meets the external load) and directs the generated hydrogen to the hydrogen storage device rather than to the fuel cell stack. In this example, method 200 may further include pressurizing the generated hydrogen to a suitable storage pressure greater than the supply pressure of the stored hydrogen. This is illustrated in... Figure 1 The device includes a generated hydrogen diversion valve 180 configured to selectively deliver the generated hydrogen 52 from the fuel processor 50 to the hydrogen storage unit 20, and a compressor 182 configured to selectively compress the generated hydrogen 52 to the storage pressure. This configuration is suitable for situations where the HPFCS is located in a remote location and / or where replacement hydrogen storage units are not readily available.

[0110] Hydrogen storage device of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The hydrogen storage device 20 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, sized, and / or constructed to contain the volume of stored hydrogen and / or supply or selectively supply the stored hydrogen to a fuel cell stack. As an example, the hydrogen storage device may include a hydrogen storage container (such as a bottle or tank) and / or a hydride bed.

[0111] As discussed, the volume of hydrogen stored is sufficient to operate the HPFCS and / or meet the external load for at least the critical initial supply time. Examples of the volume of hydrogen stored for an external load of approximately 5 kW and an HPFCS configured for a critical initial supply time of approximately 1 to 10 minutes include at least 100 liters (L), at least 150 L, at least 200 L, at least 250 L, at least 300 L, at least 350 L, at least 400 L, at least 450 L, at least 500 L, at least 600 L, at least 700 L, and at least 800 L at standard temperature and pressure. Hydrogen gas in volumes of at least 900L, at least 1,000L, at least 1,500L, at least 2,000L, at least 2,500L, at least 3,000L; up to 50,000L, up to 10,000L, up to 9,000L, up to 8,000L, up to 7,000L, up to 6,000L, up to 5,000L, up to 4,000L, up to 3,000L and / or up to 2,000L.

[0112] The hydrogen storage capacity and / or specific volume of hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage device can be selected for a given application, such as based at least in part on the desired initial electrical output of the fuel cell stack, the magnitude of the applied load, and / or the critical start-up time of the fuel processor. The hydrogen storage capacity and / or specific volume of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device can also be selected based on the desired number of times the given hydrogen storage device can be used with sufficient hydrogen before method 200. In some such instances, the hydrogen storage capacity and / or specific volume of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage device can be a critical multiple of the volume of the applied load sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the satisfaction period at step 250 and / or the applied load consumed during the consumption period at step 240 of method 200 for a given system. Examples of critical multiples include at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 6, at least 8, at least 10, at most 4, at most 6, at most 8, at most 10, and / or at most 20.

[0113] fuel cell stacks of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The fuel cell stack 30 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to receive hydrogen (such as stored hydrogen and / or generated hydrogen) and generate electrical output (such as initial electrical output and / or subsequent electrical output) from hydrogen and oxidant. As an example, and as... Figure 1 As described herein, the fuel cell stack 30 may include an anode 32, a cathode 34, and an ion-permeable isolation structure 36. The ion-permeable isolation structure 36 may isolate the anode 32 from the cathode 34, fluidly isolate the anode 32 from the cathode 34, and / or electrically isolate the anode 32 from the cathode 34. In this configuration, hydrogen (such as stored hydrogen 24 and / or generated hydrogen 52) may be supplied to the anode 32, and an oxidant 38 may be supplied to the cathode 34. Hydrogen may dissociate into protons and electrons at the anode 32. Protons may diffuse through the ion-permeable isolation structure 36 to the cathode 34 and react therewith the oxidant 38. Electrons may travel as an electrical output 40 through the energy consumption device 120 before recombinating with protons and the oxidant within the cathode 34.

[0114] In some instances, the ion-permeable isolation structure 36 may include and / or be a hydrocarbon membrane and / or an ion-permeable polymer membrane, such as a fluoropolymer like sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene. In this configuration, the fuel cell stack may also be referred to herein as and / or as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack. Some fuel cell stacks are configured to operate at temperatures below 100°C and are therefore referred to as low-temperature fuel cell stacks. Others (including other polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks) are configured to operate at temperatures above 100°C and are therefore referred to as high-temperature fuel cell stacks. Additional examples of high-temperature fuel cell stacks include solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks, molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) stacks, and phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) stacks.

[0115] Recombination region of Method 200 and / or Figure 1 The reforming zone 60 may include any suitable structure and / or any suitable process that can utilize one or more feed streams to generate hydrogen and / or a mixed gas stream. As an example, the reforming zone may utilize a steam reforming process and / or may be referred to herein as a steam reformer. Steam reformers are typically operated at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 900°C and at pressures ranging from 50 psi to 300 psi, but temperatures and pressures outside these ranges are within the scope of this invention. When the carbon-containing feed is methanol, the hydrogen-producing steam reforming reaction will typically be operated in a temperature range of about 200°C to 500°C. An illustrative subset of this range includes 350°C to 450°C, 375°C to 425°C, and 375°C to 400°C. When the carbon-containing feed is hydrocarbons, ethanol, or similar alcohols, the steam reforming reaction will typically use a temperature range of about 400°C to 900°C. This illustrative subset of the range includes 750°C to 850°C, 725°C to 825°C, 650°C to 750°C, 700°C to 800°C, 700°C to 900°C, 500°C to 800°C, 400°C to 600°C, and 600°C to 800°C. As another example, the recombination zone may utilize a self-heating recombination process and / or may be referred to herein as a self-heating recombination device.

[0116] Heating assembly of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The heating assembly 70 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to heat the reorganization zone to the hydrogen production temperature range and, where appropriate, maintain the reorganization zone in a thermally activated state. The heating assembly and / or... of method 200 Figure 1The heating assembly 70 can also be configured to heat the purification assembly to a thermally activated state and / or maintain the purification assembly in a thermally activated state. As mentioned, the heating assembly 70 may include an electric heating assembly 172 that can utilize current from an initial power source to maintain at least the remodeling zone in a thermally activated state. More specific examples of the electric heating assembly 172 include resistance heating assemblies and / or induction heating assemblies. Alternatively or additionally, the heating assembly 70 may include a burner assembly 171 or a combustion heating assembly capable of burning fuel to heat the remodeling zone. In a particular example, the fuel may include and / or be Figure 1 74. Byproduct flow.

[0117] Purification assembly of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The purification assembly 72 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to receive a mixed gas stream, purify the mixed gas stream, and / or separate the mixed gas stream into a purified hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream. Examples of the purification assembly 72 include thin-film based separation assemblies, platinum thin-film based separation assemblies, palladium thin-film based separation assemblies, and / or pressure swing adsorption assemblies.

[0118] Examples of suitable fuel processors 50, including a recombination zone 60, a heating assembly 70, a purification assembly 72, a feed stream 61, a hydrogen storage device 20, a fuel cell stack 30, an energy storage device 86, an initial power supply 100, and / or an energy consumption device 120, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,476,093, 7,659,019, and 7,972,420 and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2016178849, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0119] Buffer tank of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The buffer tank 78 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, sized, and / or constructed to contain and / or accommodate a volume of the generated hydrogen. Examples of buffer tanks include pressure tanks. The buffer tank (if present) may have any suitable buffer tank volume, examples of which include buffer tank volumes of at least 2 liters, at least 4 liters, at least 6 liters, at least 8 liters, at least 10 liters, at least 12 liters, at least 14 liters, at least 16 liters, at least 18 liters, at least 20 liters, up to 40 liters, up to 35 liters, up to 30 liters, up to 25 liters, up to 20 liters, and / or up to 15 liters.

[0120] The initial power detector of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The primary power detector 80 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to detect the impossibility of the primary power supply satisfying the applied load. Examples of detectors include voltage detectors, voltmeters, current detectors, and / or ammeters.

[0121] The energy storage device of method 200 and / or Figure 1 The energy storage device 86 may include any suitable structure capable of storing electrical energy and / or selectively supplying the stored current to an external load and / or energy-consuming device. Examples of energy storage devices that may be or may be included in the energy storage device of the present invention include one or more of any suitable battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, supercapacitor and / or flywheel.

[0122] As discussed in more detail herein, conventional HPFCS for backup power applications typically include an energy storage device, which can be used to provide stored current when other current sources (such as primary power sources and / or fuel cell stacks) are unable to do so. References in this document Figure 2 The methods disclosed herein and / or referenced herein Figure 1 The HPFCS 10 discussed herein, compared to conventional HPFCS and / or conventional methods of operating conventional HPFCS (and more specifically, excluding HPFCS and methods utilizing stored hydrogen), reduces the total time frame during which the energy storage device must provide the stored current and / or reduces the storage capacity required by the energy storage device. For this purpose, the total storage capacity of the energy storage device used in HPFCS 10 and / or used in conjunction with method 200 according to the invention may be less than a threshold fraction of the comparable total energy storage capacity of comparable or conventional energy storage devices excluding hydrogen storage devices and / or not performing method 200. Examples of threshold fractions of the comparable total energy storage capacity are less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10% of the comparable total energy storage capacity. Alternatively, the threshold fraction of total energy storage capacity can be compared as the ratio of any of the threshold initial supply times discussed herein to any of the threshold start times discussed herein.

[0123] As a more specific example, the energy storage device 86 of HPFCS 10 and / or the energy storage device used in conjunction with method 200 may include a total energy storage capacity of at least 5 ampere-hours (Ah), at least 10 Ah, at least 15 Ah, at least 20 Ah, at least 25 Ah, at least 30 Ah, at least 35 Ah, at least 40 Ah, at least 45 Ah, at least 50 Ah, at least 55 Ah, at least 60 Ah, at most 10 Ah, at most 15 Ah, at most 20 Ah, at most 25 Ah, at most 30 Ah, at most 35 Ah, at most 40 Ah, at most 45 Ah, at most 50 Ah, at most 55 Ah, at most 60 Ah, at most 65 Ah, at most 70 Ah, at most 80 Ah, at most 90 Ah and / or at most 100 Ah.

[0124] The energy storage devices included in and / or utilized by comparable or conventional HPFCS that do not include hydrogen storage device 20 and / or do not perform method 200 may require at least one battery compared to other types of energy storage devices, and typically require multiple batteries due to the relatively large energy storage capacity of batteries. Due to the lower total energy storage capacity requirements of the energy storage devices in HPFCS 10 and / or utilized in method 200, the energy storage device 86 of HPFCS 10 and / or utilized in method 200 may not include any batteries and / or may utilize only energy storage devices other than batteries, such as any suitable combination of one or more of the energy storage devices discussed herein other than batteries.

[0125] For instances where the HPFCS 10 is configured for all-black startup and / or where method 200 includes maintaining the energy-consuming device in a non-powered state prior to the initial power output to the energy-consuming device, the energy storage device of the HPFCS may include only and / or require sufficient energy storage capacity to power the components of the HPFCS during the initial supply period, examples of such components include controller 90, stored hydrogen flow control valve 28, and / or stored hydrogen pressure detector 121. In such instances, the energy storage device 86 may include capacitors and / or multiple capacitors.

[0126] As Figure 1 As indicated by the dashed lines, HPFCS 10 may include a controller 90. The controller 90 (if present) may be adapted, configured, and / or programmed to control the operation of at least a portion of HPFCS 10. As an example, and as shown in... Figure 1 As illustrated by the dotted lines, controller 90 can be programmed to send one or more control signals 92 to one or more components of HPFCS 10, such as the stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26, the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28, the generated hydrogen flow control valve 54, and / or the generated hydrogen pressure regulator 56, to control their operation. In some instances, controller 90 also communicates with and is configured to receive detector signals 93 from one or more detectors of HPFCS 10. Examples of such detectors include the stored hydrogen pressure detector 121, the generated hydrogen flow detector 176, and / or the generated hydrogen pressure detector 178. In such instances, controller 90 can be adapted, configured, and / or programmed to control the operation of one or more corresponding components of HPFCS in response to receiving detector signals 93 and / or based on information transmitted in the detector signals, such as those referenced herein. Figure 1 and HPFCS 10 and / or reference Figure 2As described in method 200. As an example, controller 90 may be configured to receive detector signal 93 from the stored hydrogen pressure detector 121, determine the volume and / or pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 in hydrogen storage device 20 based on detector signal 93, and selectively open the stored hydrogen flow control valve 28 when the volume and / or pressure of the stored hydrogen 24 in hydrogen storage device 20 is sufficient to satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up time and / or start-up time frame.

[0127] The controller 90 may include and / or be any suitable structure, device, and / or device that can be adapted, configured, designed, constructed and / or programmed to perform the functions discussed herein. As examples, the controller 90 may include one or more of an electronic controller, a dedicated controller, a special purpose controller, a personal computer, a special purpose computer, a display device, a logic device, a memory device and / or a memory device having a computer-readable storage medium.

[0128] Computer-readable storage media (if present) may also be referred to herein as non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include, define, contain, and / or store computer-executable instructions, programs, and / or program code. These computer-executable instructions may direct the HPFCS 10 and / or its controller 90 to perform any suitable portion or subset of method 200. Examples of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media include CD-ROMs, magnetic disks, hard disk drives, flash memory, etc. As used herein, storage devices or memories having computer-executable instructions, apparatuses, and / or media, as well as computer-implemented methods and other methods according to the invention, are considered to be within the scope of the subject matter, which is considered patentable under section 101 of 35 U.S.C.

[0129] The check valve of method 200, the hydrogen check valve 76 generated, and / or Figure 1 The hydrogen storage check valve 77 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to allow fluid flow in a first direction (such as from the fuel processor to the fuel cell stack) and to block or impede fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction (such as from the hydrogen storage device and / or from the fuel cell stack to the fuel processor). Examples of check valves include ball and seat check valves, vibrating diaphragm check valves, stop check valves, two-way check valves, and / or three-way check valves.

[0130] Check valves (if present) can be configured to have relatively low crack pressures. Examples of crack pressures include at least 0.25 kPa, at least 0.5 kPa, at least 0.75 kPa, at least 1 kPa, at least 2 kPa, at least 3 kPa, at least 4 kPa or at least 5 kPa, up to 60 kPa, up to 50 kPa, up to 40 kPa, up to 30 kPa, up to 20 kPa, up to 10 kPa, up to 8 kPa, up to 6 kPa, up to 4 kPa or up to 2 kPa.

[0131] Pressure regulator and / or method 200 Figure 1 The pressure regulators, including the stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26 and / or the generated hydrogen pressure regulator 56, can include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to control and / or regulate the pressure of the corresponding fluids supplied to the fuel cell stack. Similarly, Figure 1 The pressure regulators, including the stored hydrogen pressure regulator 26 and / or the generated hydrogen pressure regulator 56, may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to control and / or regulate the pressure of the corresponding fluids supplied to the fuel cell stack. Examples of pressure regulators include pressure reducing regulators.

[0132] The initial power supply and / or method 200 Figure 1 The primary power supply 100 may include any suitable structure that can be configured to meet external loads. Examples of primary power supplies include AC primary power supplies, DC primary power supplies, power grids, and / or generators.

[0133] The energy consumption device and / or method 200 Figure 1 The energy-consuming device 120 may include any suitable structure that can be adapted, configured, designed, and / or constructed to receive electrical energy from a primary power source, receive electrical energy from an HPFCS, apply at least a portion of an external load to a primary power source, and / or apply at least a portion of an external load to an HPFCS. In some instances, the energy-consuming device may include a remotely installed device that can be located at a considerable distance from the city and / or maintenance personnel. In a more specific instance, the energy-consuming device may include telecommunications equipment, such as a cellular telephone tower. In another specific instance, the energy-consuming device may include emergency communication equipment, including terrestrial trunked radio systems, base stations, switches, and / or microwave towers. Additional examples of energy-consuming devices include communication and signaling equipment, hospital and life support equipment, surveillance equipment, radios, battery chargers, one or more homes, one or more residences, one or more office buildings, and / or one or more communities.

[0134] In this invention, several illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and / or presented in the context of a flow diagram or flow chart, wherein the method is shown and described as a series of blocks or steps. Unless specifically stated in the accompanying description, within the scope of this invention, the order of blocks may differ from the order illustrated in the flow diagram, including two or more blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and / or simultaneously. Also within the scope of this invention, blocks or steps may be implemented as logic, and may be described as implementing blocks or steps as logic. In some applications, blocks or steps may represent expressions and / or actions to be performed by functionally equivalent circuitry or other logic devices. Illustrated blocks may, but need not, represent executable instructions that cause a computer, processor, and / or other logic device to respond, perform actions, change states, generate output or display, and / or make decisions.

[0135] As used herein, the term "and / or" placed between the first entity and the second entity means one of the following: (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed using "and / or" shall be interpreted in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of the entities thus combined. Other entities may exist, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the reference to "A and / or B" used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "includes" may: in one specific instance, mean only A (including entities other than B, where applicable); in another specific instance, mean only B (including entities other than A, where applicable); and in yet another specific instance, mean both A and B (including other entities, where applicable). Such entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

[0136] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" referring to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of every entity specifically listed in the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows for the presence, as appropriate, of entities other than those specifically identified in the list of entities referred to by the phrase "at least one," whether related to or not related to those specifically identified entities. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B", or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") can refer in one specific instance to at least one (as the case includes more than one) A without B (and, as the case includes entities other than B); in another specific instance, to at least one (as the case includes more than one) B without A (and, as the case includes entities other than A); and in yet another specific instance, to at least one (as the case includes more than one) A and at least one (as the case includes more than one) B (and, as the case includes other entities). In other words, the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that can function as both conjunctions and antonymous conjunctions in practice. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B or C" and "A, B and / or C" may mean only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and, as appropriate, any of the above combined with at least one other entity.

[0137] Where any patent, patent application or other reference is incorporated herein by reference and (1) defines a term in a manner that does not conform to and / or (2) otherwise does not conform to any of the non-incorporated portions or other incorporated references of the invention, the non-incorporated portions of the invention shall control and the terms or incorporated disclosures thereof shall be controlled only relative to the references that define the terms and / or the originally presented incorporated disclosures.

[0138] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that an element, component, or other subject is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Therefore, the use of the terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be construed as meaning that a given element, component, or other subject is merely "capable" of performing a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other subject is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Within the scope of this invention, elements, components, and / or other described subjects described as adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as configured to perform that function, and vice versa.

[0139] As used herein, the phrases "for example," "as an example," and / or the abbreviated term "example," when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods according to the invention, are intended to convey that the described components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods are illustrative, non-exclusive examples of components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods according to the invention. Therefore, the described components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods are not intended to be restrictive, essential, or exclusive / exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods (including structurally and / or functionally similar and / or equivalent components, features, details, structures, specific examples, and / or methods) are also within the scope of this invention.

[0140] As used herein, when the degree or relationship is modified, "at least substantially" may include not only the stated "substantial" degree or relationship, but also the entire range of the stated degree or relationship. A substantial number of stated degrees or relationships may include at least 75% of the stated degree or relationship. For example, an object formed at least substantially of a material includes an object in which at least 75% of the object is formed of that material, and also includes an object formed entirely of that material. As another example, a first length that is at least substantially the same as a second length includes a first length within 75% of the second length and also includes a first length that is the same as the second length.

[0141] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems and methods of operating hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems according to the present invention are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs. Within the scope of the invention, individual steps of the methods enumerated herein (including in the following enumerated paragraphs) may additionally or alternatively be referred to as "steps" "for" performing the described actions.

[0142] A1. A method for starting up a hydrogen fuel cell system (HPFCS), the method comprising:

[0143] Detect the impossibility of an initial power supply satisfying an external load;

[0144] In response to the detection, the stored hydrogen is supplied from a hydrogen storage unit of the HPFCS to a fuel cell stack of the HPFCS, and the stored hydrogen is consumed by the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output, which at least partially satisfies the external load.

[0145] Start the fuel processor of the HPFCS; and

[0146] After at least one critical start-up time of the fuel processor, the supply of generated hydrogen from the fuel processor to the fuel cell stack is initiated, the generated hydrogen is consumed by the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output from the fuel cell stack, and the subsequent electrical output is used to at least partially satisfy the external load.

[0147] A2. The method as described in A1 above, wherein the detection includes detecting a decrease in a monitored voltage.

[0148] A3. The method as described in A2 above, wherein the monitored voltage is at least one of the following:

[0149] (i) An initial voltage of the initial power supply, configured to provide an initial current to the applied load;

[0150] (ii) A grid voltage of a power grid, configured to provide a grid current to the applied load; and

[0151] (iii) An energy storage device voltage of an energy storage device configured to provide the stored current to the applied load.

[0152] A4. The method of any of A2 to A3 above, wherein detecting the decrease in the monitored voltage includes detecting a voltage decrease of at least one of the following:

[0153] (i) at least 0.5 volts, at least 1 volt, at least 1.5 volts, at least 2 volts, at least 2.5 volts, at least 3 volts, at least 4 volts, or at least 5 volts; and

[0154] (ii) up to 10 volts, up to 9 volts, up to 8 volts, up to 7 volts, up to 6 volts, up to 5 volts, up to 4 volts or up to 3 volts.

[0155] A5. The method of any of A1 to A4 above, wherein the hydrogen storage device includes a volume of stored hydrogen, and wherein starting the supply of stored hydrogen includes causing a portion of the volume of stored hydrogen to flow from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack.

[0156] A6. The method as described in A5 above, wherein the volume of stored hydrogen gas has a quantity value of at least one of the following:

[0157] (i) at least 100 liters (L), at least 150L, ​​at least 200L, at least 250L, at least 300L, at least 350L, at least 400L, at least 450L, at least 500L, at least 600L, at least 700L, at least 800L, at least 900L, at least 1,000L, at least 1,500L, at least 2,000L, at least 2,500L, or at least 3,000L; and

[0158] (ii) up to 50,000L, up to 10,000L, up to 9,000L, up to 8,000L, up to 7,000L, up to 6,000L, up to 5,000L, up to 4,000L, up to 3,000L or up to 2,000L.

[0159] A7. The method of any of A1 to A6 above, wherein the hydrogen storage device includes a hydrogen storage bottle.

[0160] A8. The method of any of A1 to A7 above, wherein starting the supply of stored hydrogen includes supplying the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0161] A9. The method of any of A1 to A8 above, wherein the fuel cell stack includes an anode, a cathode and an ion-permeable isolation structure fluidly isolating the anode and the cathode, wherein initiating the supply of stored hydrogen includes supplying the stored hydrogen to the anode of the fuel cell stack, and wherein initiating the supply of generated hydrogen includes supplying the generated hydrogen to the anode of the fuel cell stack.

[0162] A10. The method of A9 above, wherein the method further includes providing an oxidant to the cathode, wherein the oxidant comprises at least one of air and oxygen.

[0163] A11. The method of any of A1 to A10 above, wherein the external load comes from the HPFCS and one or more of the energy-consuming devices.

[0164] A12. The method of any of A1 to A11 above, wherein the starting of the fuel processor is performed at least partially simultaneously with the consumption of the stored hydrogen by the fuel cell stack to generate the initial electrical output.

[0165] A13. The method as described in A12 above, wherein starting the fuel processor involves using a portion of the initial electrical output to power one or more components of the fuel processor.

[0166] A14. The method of any of A1 to A13 above, wherein satisfying the external load at least partially with the initial electrical output includes satisfying the external load with only the initial electrical output.

[0167] A15. The method of any of A1 to A14 above, wherein satisfying the external load at least partially with the initial electrical output includes satisfying the external load at least partially with the initial electrical output during a start-up time frame including the critical start-up time and wherein the stored hydrogen is the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0168] A16. The method of any of A1 to A15 above, wherein the method further includes satisfying the external load at least partially with the initial electrical output during a critical initial supply period.

[0169] A17. The method as described in A16 above, wherein the initial supply time is at least one of the following:

[0170] (i) at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 35 seconds, at least 40 seconds, or at least 45 seconds; and

[0171] (ii) up to 120s, up to 110s, up to 100s, up to 90s, up to 80s, up to 70s, up to 60s, up to 50s, up to 40s, up to 30s or up to 20s.

[0172] A18. The method of any of A16 to A17 above, wherein the initial supply time is less than a threshold fraction of the threshold start-up time of the fuel processor, wherein, as appropriate, the threshold fraction is less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the threshold start-up time of the fuel processor.

[0173] A19. The method of any of A1 to A18 above, wherein starting the fuel processor includes at least one of the following:

[0174] (i) Initiating the supply of a carbon-containing feedstock to a reprocessing zone of the fuel processor; and

[0175] (ii) Initiate the supply of methanol and water to the reorganization zone.

[0176] A20. The method of any of A1 to A19 above, wherein starting the fuel processor includes heating one / the reorganization zone of the fuel processor to a hydrogen production temperature range.

[0177] A21. The method of any of A1 to A20 above, wherein the fuel processor is a thermally activated fuel processor, wherein the method further includes maintaining the fuel processor at a thermally activated temperature prior to the detection.

[0178] A22. The method as described in A21 above, wherein the thermal arousal temperature is at least one of the following:

[0179] (i) at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95% of the lower limit of the hydrogen production temperature range as measured in degrees Celsius;

[0180] (ii) at most 100%, at most 95%, at most 90%, at most 85%, at most 80%, or at most 75% of an upper limit of the hydrogen production temperature range as measured in degrees Celsius; and

[0181] (iii) Within the hydrogen production temperature range.

[0182] A23. The method of any of A21 to A22 above, wherein the hydrogen production temperature range is at least one of the following:

[0183] (i) at least 200 degrees Celsius (°C), at least 225°C, at least 250°C, at least 275°C, at least 300°C, at least 325°C, at least 350°C, at least 375°C, at least 400°C, at least 425°C, at least 450°C, at least 475°C, at least 500°C, at least 525°C, at least 550°C, at least 575°C, at least 600°C, at least 625°C, at least 650°C, at least 675°C, at least 700°C, at least 725°C, or at least 750°C; and

[0184] (ii) up to 900°C, up to 875°C, up to 850°C, up to 825°C, up to 800°C, up to 775°C, up to 750°C, up to 725°C, up to 700°C, up to 675°C, up to 650°C, up to 625°C, up to 600°C, up to 575°C, up to 550°C, up to 525°C, up to 500°C, up to 475°C, up to 450°C, up to 425°C, or up to 400°C.

[0185] A24. The method of any of A21 to A22 above, wherein starting the fuel processor includes increasing a temperature of the fuel processor from a thermal start-up temperature to a range of the hydrogen production temperature.

[0186] A25. The method of any of A1 to A24 above, wherein the fuel processor includes a purification assembly, wherein the method includes purifying the generated hydrogen with the purification assembly to generate purified hydrogen, and further wherein starting the supply of the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack includes starting the supply of the purified hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0187] A26. The method of any of A1 to A25 above, wherein initiating the supply of generated hydrogen includes initiating the supply of generated hydrogen in response to the fuel processor reaching a hydrogen-producing state, wherein in the hydrogen-producing state, a generated hydrogen flow rate is sufficient to satisfy the external load.

[0188] A27. The method of any of A1 to A26 above, wherein initiating the supply of generated hydrogen includes initiating the supply of generated hydrogen in response to a generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeding a / a stored hydrogen supply pressure, wherein the stored hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack at the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0189] A28. The method of any of A1 to A27 above, wherein the critical start-up time is at least one of the following:

[0190] (i) at least 30 seconds, at least 1 minute, at least 1.5 minutes, at least 2 minutes, at least 2.5 minutes, at least 3 minutes, at least 3.5 minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 4.5 minutes, or at least 5 minutes; and

[0191] (ii) up to 30 minutes, up to 25 minutes, up to 20 minutes, up to 15 minutes, up to 10 minutes, up to 9 minutes, up to 8 minutes, up to 7 minutes, up to 6 minutes, up to 5 minutes, up to 4 minutes or up to 2 minutes.

[0192] A29. The method of any of A1 to A28 above, wherein satisfying the external load at least partially with the subsequent electrical output includes satisfying the external load with only the subsequent electrical output.

[0193] A30. The method of any of A1 to A29 above, wherein satisfying the external load at least partially with the subsequent electrical output includes satisfying the external load at least partially with the subsequent electrical output during one / startup time frame in which the stored hydrogen is the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0194] A31. The method of any of A1 to A30 above, wherein the method further comprises stopping the supply of stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack.

[0195] A32. The method as described in A31 above, wherein the stopping is at least one of the following:

[0196] (i) after the supply of the generated hydrogen is started; and

[0197] (ii) In response to the start-up of the supply of hydrogen generated.

[0198] A33. The method of any of A31 to A32 above, wherein after the cessation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0199] (i) Replace the hydrogen storage device with a fully filled hydrogen storage device; and

[0200] (ii) Refill the hydrogen storage device with the generated hydrogen gas.

[0201] A34. The method of any of A1 to A33 above, wherein the HPFCS further includes an energy storage device configured to selectively provide a stored current to the applied load.

[0202] A35. The method as described in A34 above, wherein in response to the detection, the method further includes activating the supply of the stored current to the external load.

[0203] A36. The method described in A35 above, wherein the supply of the stored current to the external load is initiated at least in part simultaneously with the supply of the stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack.

[0204] A37. The method of A36, wherein the HPFCS includes a stored hydrogen flow control valve configured to selectively allow or block the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and wherein activating the supply of the stored current includes using a portion of the stored current to open the stored hydrogen flow control valve and allow the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0205] A38. The method of any of A35 to A37 described above, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of the following:

[0206] (i) At least one battery;

[0207] (ii) at least one capacitor;

[0208] (iii) at least one supercapacitor; and

[0209] (iv) At least one flywheel.

[0210] A39. The method as described in A38 above, wherein the energy storage device does not include the at least one battery.

[0211] A40. The method of any of A34 to A39 above, wherein the total storage capacity of the energy storage device is less than a threshold fraction of the comparable total energy storage capacity of a comparable energy storage device of a comparable HPFCS excluding the hydrogen storage device, wherein, as appropriate, the threshold fraction of the comparable total energy storage capacity is less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 10%.

[0212] A41. The method of any of A1 to A40 above, wherein the method further includes adjusting the supply pressure of the stored hydrogen, the stored hydrogen being supplied to the fuel cell stack at the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0213] A42. The method as described in A41 above, wherein regulating the stored hydrogen supply pressure includes using a stored hydrogen pressure regulator of the HPFCS.

[0214] A43. The method of any of A1 to A42 above, wherein the method further includes adjusting the generated hydrogen supply pressure, at which the generated hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0215] A44. The method as described in A43 above, wherein regulating the generated hydrogen supply pressure includes using a generated hydrogen pressure regulator and / or a generated hydrogen check valve of the HPFCS.

[0216] A45. The method of any of A41 to A44 above, wherein adjusting the supply pressure of the generated hydrogen includes ensuring that the supply pressure of the generated hydrogen is greater than at least one critical pressure difference greater than one / the supply pressure of the stored hydrogen.

[0217] A46. The method described in A45 above, wherein the critical pressure difference is at least one of the following:

[0218] (i) at least 0.25 kPa, at least 0.5 kPa, at least 0.75 kPa, at least 1 kPa, at least 2 kPa, at least 3 kPa, at least 4 kPa, or at least 5 kPa; and

[0219] (ii) up to 60 kPa, up to 50 kPa, up to 40 kPa, up to 30 kPa, up to 20 kPa, up to 10 kPa, up to 8 kPa, up to 6 kPa, up to 5 kPa, up to 4 kPa or up to 3 kPa.

[0220] A47. The method of any of A1 to A46 above, wherein the method further includes restricting the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel processor.

[0221] A48. The method as described in A47 above, wherein the restriction includes using a check valve for the generated hydrogen to restrict the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel processor.

[0222] A49. The method of any of A1 to A48 above, wherein the HPFCS further includes a buffer tank, and further wherein the method includes storing a volume of the generated hydrogen in the buffer tank prior to the supply of the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

[0223] A50. The method of any of A1 to A49 above, wherein the method further comprises automatically transitioning from an initial configuration (where the initial electrical output is generated only from the stored hydrogen) to a subsequent configuration (where the subsequent electrical output is generated only from the generated hydrogen).

[0224] A51. The method described in A50 above, wherein the automatic transition includes an immediate transition from the initial configuration to the subsequent configuration.

[0225] A52. The method of any of A50 to A51 above, wherein the automatic transition includes transitioning from the initial configuration to an intermediate configuration, and subsequently from the intermediate configuration to the subsequent configuration, wherein, in the intermediate configuration, the fuel cell stack generates an intermediate electrical output from both the stored hydrogen and the generated hydrogen.

[0226] A53. The method of any of A1 to A52 above, wherein, prior to initiating the supply of the stored hydrogen, the method further comprises determining that the volume of stored hydrogen included in the hydrogen storage device is sufficient, as appropriate, to supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack at a stored hydrogen flow rate sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load for at least the critical start-up time of the fuel processor.

[0227] A54. The method as described in A53 above, wherein, in response to the determination, the method further includes selectively allowing the fuel cell stack to generate the initial electrical output.

[0228] A55. The method of any of A1 to A54 above, wherein at least a portion of the external load originates from an energy-consuming device, and wherein the detection includes detecting the absence of an initial electrical output from the initial power source to the energy-consuming device.

[0229] A56. The method as described in A55 above, wherein the method further includes maintaining the energy-consuming device in a non-powered state after the detection and before the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack to the energy-consuming device.

[0230] A57. The method as described in A56 above, wherein the method further includes activating the energy-consuming device in response to receiving the initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack.

[0231] A58. The method of any of A1 to A57 above, wherein the HPFCS is the HPFCS of any of B1 to B47 above.

[0232] B1. A hydrogen production fuel cell system (HPFCS) comprising:

[0233] A fuel cell stack configured to receive an oxidant and hydrogen and generate an electrical output from the oxidant and hydrogen;

[0234] A fuel processor configured to receive one or more feed streams and to react the one or more feed streams to produce hydrogen; and

[0235] A hydrogen storage device configured to store a volume of stored hydrogen gas;

[0236] The fuel cell stack is configured to at least partially satisfy an external load with its electrical output when an initial power source normally adapted to satisfy an external load is not providing an initial electrical output that satisfies the external load. The HPFCS is configured to detect an impossibility that the initial power source can satisfy the external load, and in response to the detection of this impossibility, the HPFCS is configured to:

[0237] Start the fuel processor from the start;

[0238] The stored hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen during the start-up of the fuel processor, and the initial electrical output is used to at least partially satisfy the external load; and

[0239] The generated hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output from the generated hydrogen when the fuel processor reaches a hydrogen-producing state from the start-up, and the subsequent electrical output is used to at least partially satisfy the external load.

[0240] B2. The HPFCS as described in B1 above, wherein the fuel processor includes a recombining zone containing a recombining catalyst, wherein the recombining zone is configured to receive one or more feed streams and generate a mixed gas stream from the one or more feed streams containing the generated hydrogen as a major component.

[0241] B3. HPFCS as described in B2 above, wherein the one or more feed streams include water and a carbon-containing feed.

[0242] B4. An HPFCS as described in any of B2 to B3 above, wherein the recombination zone is configured to generate the mixed gas flow from the one or more feed streams when the recombination zone is heated to a hydrogen production temperature range.

[0243] B5. HPFCS as described in B4 above, wherein the hydrogen production temperature range is at least one of the following:

[0244] (i) at least 200 degrees Celsius (°C), at least 225°C, at least 250°C, at least 275°C, at least 300°C, at least 325°C, at least 350°C, at least 375°C, at least 400°C, at least 425°C, at least 450°C, at least 475°C, at least 500°C, at least 525°C, at least 550°C, at least 575°C, at least 600°C, at least 625°C, at least 650°C, at least 675°C, at least 700°C, at least 725°C, or at least 750°C; and

[0245] (ii) up to 900°C, up to 875°C, up to 850°C, up to 825°C, up to 800°C, up to 775°C, up to 750°C, up to 725°C, up to 700°C, up to 675°C, up to 650°C, up to 625°C, up to 600°C, up to 575°C, up to 550°C, up to 525°C, up to 500°C, up to 475°C, up to 450°C, up to 425°C, or up to 400°C.

[0246] B6. The HPFCS of any of B2 to B5 above, further comprising a heating assembly configured to maintain the recombination zone within the hydrogen production temperature range.

[0247] B7. HPFCS as described in B6 above, wherein the heating assembly is configured to maintain the recombining zone at or above a thermal ignition temperature when the recombining zone is not receiving the one or more feed streams.

[0248] B8. HPFCS as described in B7 above, wherein the thermal activation temperature is at least one of the following:

[0249] (i) at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95% of the lower limit of the hydrogen production temperature range as measured in degrees Celsius;

[0250] (ii) at most 100%, at most 95%, at most 90%, at most 85%, at most 80%, or at most 75% of an upper limit of the hydrogen production temperature range as measured in degrees Celsius; and

[0251] (iii) Within the hydrogen production temperature range.

[0252] B9. The HPFCS of any of B2 to B8 above, wherein the fuel processor further includes a purification assembly configured to receive the mixed gas flow from the recombination zone and to separate the mixed gas flow into a purified hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream, wherein the purified hydrogen stream includes the generated hydrogen.

[0253] B10. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B9 above, further comprising a buffer tank configured to receive the generated hydrogen from the fuel processor and to contain a buffer volume of the generated hydrogen received from the fuel processor.

[0254] B11. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B10 above further includes a feed delivery system configured to selectively deliver the one or more feed streams from one or more feed stream suppliers to the fuel processor.

[0255] B12. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B11 above, further comprising a stored hydrogen flow control valve configured to selectively allow or block the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, wherein the HPFCS is configured to open the stored hydrogen flow control valve to allow the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack in response to detection of the impossibility of the initial power supply satisfying the applied load.

[0256] B13. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B12 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to generate the initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen within a critical initial supply time after the detection of the impossibility of the external load being met by the initial power supply, and wherein the HPFCS is configured to generate the subsequent electrical output from the generated hydrogen within at least a critical start-up time after the detection of the impossibility of the external load being met by the initial power supply.

[0257] B14. HPFCS as described in B13 above, wherein the initial supply time of the temporary limit is at least one of the following:

[0258] (i) at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, at least 15 seconds, at least 20 seconds, at least 25 seconds, at least 30 seconds, at least 35 seconds, at least 40 seconds, or at least 45 seconds; and

[0259] (ii) up to 120s, up to 110s, up to 100s, up to 90s, up to 80s, up to 70s, up to 60s, up to 50s, up to 40s, up to 30s or up to 20s.

[0260] B15. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B14 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to supply one or more feed streams to the fuel processor during the startup of the fuel processor.

[0261] B16. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B15 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to heat one / the reorganization zone of the fuel processor to one / the hydrogen production temperature range during the startup of the fuel processor.

[0262] B17. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B16 above, wherein the fuel processor generates the generated hydrogen during the start-up of the fuel processor.

[0263] B18. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B17 above, wherein the fuel processor produces the generated hydrogen at a hydrogen-generating flow rate, and wherein the fuel processor reaches the hydrogen-generating state when the hydrogen-generating flow rate is sufficient to satisfy at least one threshold minimum hydrogen-generating flow rate for the applied load.

[0264] B19. HPFCS as described in B18 above, wherein the generated hydrogen flow rate is one / one flow rate of the purified hydrogen flow.

[0265] B20. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B19 above, wherein the fuel processor generates the generated hydrogen at a generated hydrogen supply pressure, wherein the generated hydrogen supply pressure increases during the startup of the fuel processor, and wherein the fuel processor reaches the hydrogen production state when the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeds a stored hydrogen supply pressure, wherein the stored hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack at the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

[0266] B21. The HPFCS as described in B20 above, wherein the fuel processor reaches the hydrogen production state when the hydrogen supply pressure is greater than the hydrogen supply pressure stored, and wherein the pressure difference includes at least one of at least 0.25 kPa, at least 0.5 kPa, at least 0.75 kPa, at least 1 kPa, at least 2 kPa, at least 3 kPa, at least 4 kPa or at least 5 kPa, at most 60 kPa, at most 50 kPa, at most 40 kPa, at most 30 kPa, at most 20 kPa, at most 10 kPa, at most 8 kPa, at most 6 kPa, at most 5 kPa, at most 4 kPa and at most 3 kPa.

[0267] B22. The HPFCS as described in B21 above further includes a hydrogen generation check valve configured to selectively allow the supply of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeds or is greater than the critical pressure difference of the stored hydrogen supply pressure, and to prevent the flow of generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than the stored hydrogen supply pressure or the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure is less than the critical pressure difference.

[0268] B23. The HPFCS of any of B20 to B22 above further includes a hydrogen storage check valve configured to allow the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than the generated hydrogen supply pressure or when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than or greater than a certain threshold pressure difference, and wherein the hydrogen storage check valve is configured to restrict the flow of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure exceeds the stored hydrogen supply pressure or when the difference between the generated hydrogen supply pressure and the stored hydrogen supply pressure is a threshold pressure difference or exceeds the threshold pressure difference.

[0269] B24. The HPFCS of any of B20 to B23 above, wherein the fuel processor is configured to deliver the generated hydrogen to one / the buffer tank and pressurize the buffer tank with the generated hydrogen during the startup of the fuel processor, and wherein the generated hydrogen supply pressure is a buffer pressure of the generated hydrogen in the buffer tank.

[0270] B25. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B24 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to utilize a portion of the initial electrical output to facilitate the startup of the fuel processor.

[0271] B26. The HPFCS as described in B25 above, when depending on B11, wherein the fuel processing system includes one or more feed flow pumps configured to allow the one or more feed flow streams to flow from the one or more feed flow suppliers to the fuel processor, and wherein the HPFCS is configured to power the one or more feed flow pumps with at least some of the initial electrical output during the startup of the fuel processor to allow the one or more feed flow streams to flow to the fuel processor.

[0272] B27. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B26 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to limit the supply of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack in response to the fuel processor reaching the hydrogen production state.

[0273] B28. The HPFCS as described in B27 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to limit the supply of the stored hydrogen in response to the generated hydrogen reaching or exceeding a certain threshold pressure difference.

[0274] B29. An HPFCS as described in any of B27 to B28 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to limit the supply of stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack in response to the generated hydrogen flow rate exceeding one / the threshold minimum generated hydrogen flow rate.

[0275] B30. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B29 above further includes a stored hydrogen pressure detector configured to detect a pressure of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device.

[0276] B31. The HPFCS as described in B30 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the pressure of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank is sufficient to at least partially meet the external load when the fuel processor is in the start-up state.

[0277] B32. An HPFCS as described in any of B30 to B31 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to determine the volume of stored hydrogen contained in the hydrogen storage device based on the pressure of the stored hydrogen in the hydrogen storage device, wherein the fuel processor is in the start-up duration of one / the critical start-up time, and wherein the HPFCS is configured to supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack when the volume of stored hydrogen contained in the hydrogen storage tank is sufficient to at least partially satisfy the applied load during the critical start-up time.

[0278] B33. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B32 above, wherein the hydrogen stored in that volume is at least one of the following:

[0279] (i) at least 100 liters (L), at least 150L, ​​at least 200L, at least 250L, at least 300L, at least 350L, at least 400L, at least 450L, at least 500L, at least 600L, at least 700L, at least 800L, at least 900L, at least 1,000L, at least 1,500L, at least 2,000L, at least 2,500L, or at least 3,000L; and

[0280] (ii) up to 50,000L, up to 10,000L, up to 9,000L, up to 8,000L, up to 7,000L, up to 6,000L, up to 5,000L, up to 4,000L, up to 3,000L or up to 2,000L.

[0281] B34. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B33 above further includes a stored hydrogen pressure regulator configured to regulate the stored hydrogen supply pressure at which the stored hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0282] B35. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B34 above, wherein the initial electrical output is generated by the fuel cell stack by reacting the stored hydrogen with the oxidant, and wherein the subsequent electrical output is generated by the fuel cell stack by reacting the generated hydrogen with the oxidant.

[0283] B36. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B35 above, wherein in an intermediate configuration, the HPFCS is configured to partially satisfy the external load with the initial electrical output, partially satisfy the external load with the subsequent electrical output, and satisfy the external load together with the initial electrical output and the subsequent electrical output.

[0284] B37. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B7 above, wherein the HPFCS is configured to satisfy the external load with the subsequent electrical output when the stored hydrogen is no longer supplied to the fuel cell stack and the generated hydrogen is the only hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack.

[0285] B38. An HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B37 above, wherein the external load originates from one or more of the HPFCS and an energy-consuming device.

[0286] B39. The method of any of B1 to B38 above, further comprising configuring an energy storage device to supply a stored current to at least partially satisfy the external load.

[0287] B40. HPFCS as described in B39 above, wherein the energy storage device is configured to at least partially satisfy the external load during one / the initial supply time of the critical limit.

[0288] B41. The HPFCS as described in B40 above, wherein the energy storage device includes a total energy storage capacity sufficient to meet the external load during the initial supply period of the critical limit.

[0289] B42 is the HPFCS of B41 mentioned above, wherein the total energy storage capacity of the energy storage device is less than the total energy storage capacity sufficient to meet the external load during the initial supply period of the critical limit.

[0290] B43. The HPFCS of any of B41 to B42 above, wherein the energy storage capacity of the energy storage device is at least one of the following:

[0291] At least 5 ampere-hours (Ah), at least 10 Ah, at least 15 Ah, at least 20 Ah, at least 25 Ah, at least 30 Ah, at least 35 Ah, at least 40 Ah, at least 45 Ah, at least 50 Ah, at least 55 Ah, or at least 60 Ah; and

[0292] Maximum 10Ah, maximum 15Ah, maximum 20Ah, maximum 25Ah, maximum 30Ah, maximum 35Ah, maximum 40Ah, maximum 45Ah, maximum 50Ah, maximum 55Ah, maximum 60Ah, maximum 65Ah, maximum 70Ah, maximum 80Ah, maximum 90Ah, or maximum 100Ah.

[0293] B44. The HPFCS of any of B39 to B43 mentioned above, wherein the energy storage device comprises at least one of the following:

[0294] (i) At least one battery;

[0295] (ii) at least one capacitor; and

[0296] (iii) at least one supercapacitor; and

[0297] (iv) At least one flywheel.

[0298] B45. The HPFCS of any of B39 to B44 above, wherein the energy storage device does not include the at least one battery.

[0299] B46. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B45 above further includes a controller configured to receive a detection signal from one or more detectors of the HPFCS and to actuate one or more components of the HPFCS in response to receiving the detection signal from the one or more detectors.

[0300] B47. The HPFCS of any of B1 to B46 above, configured to perform any of the methods of A1 to A58 above.

[0301] C1. The method of any of A1 to A58 above is used to initiate the operation of HPFCS as described in any of B1 to B46 above.

[0302] Industrial applicability

[0303] The methods disclosed in this article are applicable to the hydrogen reforming, fuel cell, and backup power industries.

[0304] It is believed that the disclosures described above cover multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific examples disclosed and described herein are not intended to be limiting, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of this invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or attributes disclosed herein. Similarly, when the invention, the foregoing numbered paragraphs, or the claims of subsequent applications list "a" or "first" element or its equivalent, such claims should be understood to include combinations of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0305] It is believed that the following claims specifically indicate that certain combinations and sub-combinations are novel and non-obvious to one of the disclosed inventions. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements, and / or attributes can be claimed by amending the current claims or presenting new claims in this or related applications. Such amended or new claims, whether for different or the same invention, and regardless of whether their scope differs from, is broader than, narrower than, or equal to the scope of the initial claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of initiating operation of a hydrogen-producing fuel cell system (HPFCS), the method comprising: detecting an impossibility of a primary power source to satisfy an imposed load; in response to the detecting, initiating supply of stored hydrogen gas from a hydrogen storage device of the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system to a fuel cell stack of the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system, consuming the stored hydrogen gas with the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output from the fuel cell stack, and at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the initial electrical output; initiating startup of a fuel processor of the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system; and after at least a threshold startup time of the fuel processor, initiating supply of generated hydrogen gas from the fuel processor to the fuel cell stack, consuming the generated hydrogen gas with the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output from the fuel cell stack, and at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the subsequent electrical output.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a decrease in a monitored voltage, and wherein the monitored voltage is at least one of: (i) a primary voltage of the primary power source configured to provide a primary current to the imposed load; (ii) a grid voltage of a power grid configured to provide a grid current to the imposed load; and (iii) an energy storage device voltage of an energy storage device configured to provide a stored current to the imposed load.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the imposed load is from one or more of the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system and an energy consumption device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the startup of the fuel processor is at least partially concurrent with consuming the stored hydrogen gas with the fuel cell stack to generate the initial electrical output.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the startup of the fuel processor comprises powering one or more components of the fuel processor with a portion of the initial electrical output.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the initial electrical output comprises at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the initial electrical output during a startup time frame that includes the at least a threshold startup time and wherein the stored hydrogen gas is the only hydrogen gas provided to the fuel cell stack.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the initial electrical output comprises satisfying the imposed load with only the initial electrical output.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises at least partially satisfying the imposed load with the initial electrical output for a threshold initial supply time, wherein the threshold initial supply time is less than a threshold fraction of the at least a threshold startup time of the fuel processor, and wherein the threshold fraction is less than 80% of the at least a threshold startup time of the fuel processor.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the fuel processor is a hot-start fuel processor, and wherein the method comprises maintaining the fuel processor at a hot-start temperature prior to the detecting. ​ 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fuel processor is a hot-start fuel processor, wherein the method further comprises maintaining the fuel processor at a hot-start temperature prior to the detecting, and wherein initiating the start-up of the fuel processor comprises heating a reforming region of the fuel processor from the hot-start temperature to a hydrogen production temperature range.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen comprises initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen in response to the fuel processor reaching a hydrogen production state in which a generated hydrogen flow rate of the generated hydrogen is sufficient to meet the applied load.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen comprises initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen in response to a generated hydrogen supply pressure of the generated hydrogen exceeding a stored hydrogen supply pressure at which stored hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell stack.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises stopping the supply of the stored hydrogen from the hydrogen storage device to the fuel cell stack.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the stopping is at least one of: (i) after initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen; and (ii) in response to initiating the supply of the generated hydrogen.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrogen production fuel cell system further comprises an electrical energy storage device configured to selectively provide stored electrical current to the applied load.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the hydrogen production fuel cell system comprises a stored hydrogen flow control valve configured to selectively permit or block flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and wherein initiating the supply of the stored electrical current comprises opening the stored hydrogen flow control valve with a portion of the stored electrical current and permitting the flow of the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein prior to initiating the supply of the stored hydrogen, the method further comprises determining that the hydrogen storage device comprises hydrogen sufficient to provide the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack for the at least one threshold start-up time of the fuel processor.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises regulating a generated hydrogen supply pressure at which generated hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell stack.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein regulating the generated hydrogen supply pressure comprises utilizing a generated hydrogen pressure regulator of the hydrogen production fuel cell system, and wherein regulating the generated hydrogen supply pressure comprises ensuring that the generated hydrogen supply pressure is greater than a stored hydrogen supply pressure at which stored hydrogen is provided to the fuel cell stack by at least a threshold pressure differential.

20. A hydrogen production fuel cell system (HPFCS) comprising: a fuel cell stack configured to receive an oxidant and hydrogen and generate an electrical output from the oxidant and the hydrogen; A fuel processor configured to receive one or more feed streams and react the one or more feed streams to produce generated hydrogen gas; and a hydrogen storage device configured to store a volume of stored hydrogen. wherein the fuel cell stack is configured to at least partially satisfy the applied load with the electrical output when a primary power source, typically adapted to satisfy the applied load, is not providing a primary electrical output that satisfies the applied load, wherein the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system is configured to detect an inability of the primary power source to satisfy the applied load, and wherein, in response to detecting the inability of the primary power source to satisfy the applied load, the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system is configured to: initiate a start-up of the fuel processor; supply the stored hydrogen to the fuel cell stack to generate an initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen during the start-up of the fuel processor, and to at least partially satisfy the applied load with the initial electrical output; and supply the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell stack to generate a subsequent electrical output from the generated hydrogen when the fuel processor reaches a hydrogen-producing state from the start-up, and to at least partially satisfy the applied load with the subsequent electrical output.

21. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system of claim 20, wherein the fuel processor generates the generated hydrogen with a generated hydrogen supply pressure, wherein the generated hydrogen supply pressure increases during the start-up of the fuel processor, and wherein the fuel processor reaches the hydrogen-producing state when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is greater than a stored hydrogen supply pressure by a threshold pressure differential, the stored hydrogen being supplied to the fuel cell stack at the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

22. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system of claim 20, further comprising a generated hydrogen check valve configured to selectively permit the generated hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure differs from the stored hydrogen supply pressure by the threshold pressure differential or beyond the threshold pressure differential, and to prevent the generated hydrogen from flowing to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than the threshold pressure differential from the stored hydrogen supply pressure.

23. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system of claim 20, wherein the hydrogen- producing fuel cell system is configured to limit the stored hydrogen from flowing to the fuel cell stack when the fuel processor reaches the hydrogen-producing state, wherein the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system further comprises a stored hydrogen check valve configured to permit the stored hydrogen to flow to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure is less than the threshold pressure differential from the stored hydrogen supply pressure, and wherein the stored hydrogen check valve is configured to limit the stored hydrogen from flowing to the fuel cell stack when the generated hydrogen supply pressure differs from the stored hydrogen supply pressure by the threshold pressure differential or beyond the threshold pressure differential.

24. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system of claim 20, further comprising an electrical energy storage device configured to supply stored current to at least partially satisfy the external load, wherein the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system is configured to generate the initial electrical output from the stored hydrogen gas for a threshold initial supply time from detecting the unlikelihood of the primary power source satisfying the external load, wherein the hydrogen-producing fuel cell system is configured to generate the subsequent electrical output from the generated hydrogen gas for at least one threshold start-up time from detecting the unlikelihood of the primary power source satisfying the external load, wherein the energy storage capacity of the electrical energy storage device is sufficient to satisfy the external load during the threshold initial supply time, and wherein the energy storage capacity of the electrical energy storage device is less than sufficient to satisfy the external load during the at least one threshold start-up time.

25. The hydrogen-producing fuel cell system of claim 20, wherein the hydrogen- producing fuel cell system is configured to utilize a portion of the initial electrical output to facilitate the start-up of the fuel processor.

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