Fuel cell system with anode and cathodes operating at different pressures

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the principles of the present, the above and other objectives are realized in a fuel cell system wherein the fuel and oxidant gases are supplied to the respective anode and cathode sections of the system fuel cell at different pressures, the pressure of the fuel gas being lower than that of the oxidant gas which is maintained high to promote fuel cell efficiency.
Use of a lower pressure fuel gas permits the use of lower pressure steam in the reforming reaction.
The temperature of the exhaust oxidant gas used to produce the steam can thus be lower, thereby enabling operation of the fuel cell at a lower temperature and, extending fuel cell life.
Furthermore, the reformation reaction can be at a lower pressure, reducing the equilibrium methane content and, therefore, increasing the system efficiency.