Utc Fuel Cells, LLC

Ha-Anh H Pho

Paul R Margiott

George Vartanian

Zakiul Kabir

Joshua D Isom

A control method and arrangement ( , I, T, P, FFL) are provided in a fuel cell power plant ( ) for regulating ( , FC) fuel flow to a steam-based fuel processing system (FPS) ( ) associated with a low-temperature fuel cell stack assembly ( ). A portion of the fuel provided by the FPS ( ) is used to provide steam for the FPS. The fuel flow to the FPS is regulated as a function of the power demand (I) on the fuel cell ( ) and at least the enthalpy of the steam (P, T), such that the steam enthalpy is regulated to meet increases and decreases in power demand without exceeding steam pressure limits. In addition to reliance on-steam pressure (P) as a fundamental measure of steam enthalpy, the control may additionally use reaction temperature (T) at, or in, a reformer, such as a catalytic steam reformer ( ), to regulate fuel flow and thus, steam enthalpy.

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Bristol, CT, United States of America

Ha-Anh H Pho