DE112009003594T5 - Fuel cell system with reformer - Google Patents

Abstract

Fuel cell system which comprises at least one reformer with at least one high-temperature fuel cell, characterized in that the reformer (s) (1, 9) is / are constructed using a material or a combination of materials with a reforming effect, the reformer being in the immediate vicinity The proximity of the at least one high-temperature fuel cell and / or encloses at least one high-temperature fuel cell (2).

Description

The invention relates to a fuel cell system with a reformer, wherein the reformer is preferably integrated in such a system.

Fuel cells have long been known as tertiary galvanic elements. Among the various fuel cell types, the solid oxide fuel cells have a prominent position because of the greatest fuel flexibility. However, these types of fuel cells generally can not readily handle all oxidisable gases or fluids, especially fuel cell types with nickel-based anodes tend to carbon capture when using hydrocarbons as a fuel (Handbook of Fuel Cells Fundamentals). ISBN: 0-471-49926-9 ). For this reason, the use of a reformer in this type of technology is indispensable in many cases when using hydrocarbon-rich fuels. However, in order to make the system attractive for mobile or portable applications, it is necessary to build a compact reformer, and in particular to use the heat generated or used as efficiently as possible and transfer the heat directly in situ into other heat-absorbing or heat-generating components (e.g. As fuel cells, heat exchangers, burners) to compensate for heat losses, especially in smaller systems with high-temperature fuel cells, to minimize system costs or increase the efficiency.

Systems of high temperature fuel cells for smaller power classes have the problem that the high operating temperatures (several 100 ° C) required for operation are difficult to realize due to the low heat generated by the system itself. On the other hand, depending on the system design, there is a need to carry off the waste heat produced in the fuel cells as effectively as possible, depending on the system requirements and / or the requirements Among other things, the nature of the reformer used (eg steam reforming, partial oxidation reforming) is that the reactions taking place in the reformer provide heat to or dissipate heat from the fuel cell system in an efficient and as compact manner as possible.

The problem to be solved by the invention comprises the construction of a compact fuel cell system, in particular for mobile and portable applications, whereby an increased efficiency can be achieved.

According to the invention, this problem can be solved with the fuel cell system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be achieved with features disclosed in subordinate claims.

An inventive fuel cell system with reformer comprises at least one high-temperature fuel cell. At least one reformer is constructed of a material that has a reforming effect, wherein the reformer is in close proximity to at least one high temperature fuel cell or a high temperature fuel cell stack, or wherein the reformer encloses the fuel cell or stack. Preference is given to microtubric solid oxide fuel cells.

The material / material combination used for the construction of the reformer (s) or at least one substrate of the reforming component (s) should be open-pored and / or gas-channeled and therefore gas-permeable.

A reforming material may be coated or encapsulated, particularly if the material is used to separate the gas chambers and / or for increased compatibility with the present conditions.

The present invention is preferably used with microtubular SOFCs, as these SOFCs have very high resistance to temperature variations or temperature gradients. This allows the use of a simple thermal management system and hence the control of the reformer (s), especially under varying operating conditions. In a preferred variant, the reformer can furthermore be used as an electrical contact of at least one of the two electrodes of the SOFCs used, whereby a further optimization of costs, size and weight becomes possible.

In a fuel cell system according to the invention, the reforming material of the reformer may be arranged in the immediate vicinity of an electrode of at least one high-temperature fuel cell. At least one fuel cell of the system may also be directly enclosed by the reforming material or a combination of such material. As a result, an intensive exchange of heat energy by radiation, convection and heat conduction can be achieved.

The reforming material may preferably be disposed near or surrounding the outer electrode of one or more microtubular fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks, which electrode may be the anode or the cathode.

The reforming material can be encapsulated gas-tight or gas-permeable and can thus be completely or partially spatially separated from the atmosphere of the electrode arranged in the immediate vicinity. When the reformer is only partially separated from the atmosphere of the electrode (gas exchange of 1-99%, preferably 2-10%), and if there is an oxidizable atmosphere on the reformer side (eg reformate with a high concentration of hydrogen) and an oxidizing atmosphere is present on the side of the outer electrode (eg, air), the reaction caused by the mixture may result in a heat build-up. This allows the emission of heat to the fuel cell (s) and / or the reformer. The heating process, in particular during the endothermic reforming reactions (eg, steam reforming of hydrocarbons), can positively influence the successful reforming Furthermore, combustion products (eg water, carbon dioxide) can lead to a more stable operation of the reformer - in particular by reducing one possible Such a partial mixture can be achieved, for example, when the partition / layer is porous depending on pressure difference, porosity, concentration difference, temperature and / or exchange interface between the two Atmospheres can affect the direction of flow and the amount of gas exchange (and therefore heat generation).

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises one or more reformers or the substrate (s) of the reformer (s), wherein the reformer (s) or substrate (s) of the reformer (s) consists of a gas-tight plate or plate-like structure or the reforming material is encapsulated in such, wherein the plates recesses or cavities for one or more tubular fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks, wherein the recesses or cavities partially or completely enclose the outside of the fuel cell or fuel cell stacks, so that the atmosphere of the outer electrode (s) of the fuel cell (s) can flow past the reformer, and wherein an oxidizing component can flow past the side of the partition / plate facing the fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks, and the reforming reactions take place away from The fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks facing Sei te the partition wall / plate can take place or wherein an oxidizing component on the away from the fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks facing side of the partition / plate flow past and the reforming reactions on the fuel cell and / or fuel cell stacks facing side of the partition / - plate can be made. As a result, an intense heat exchange between the two gaseous atmospheres is possible.

The outer electrode of a tubular fuel cell to which a reformer is attached may also be a cathode when the gas chambers of the cathode and the immediately surrounding reformer gases are completely or at least partially separated or if the fuel cell is a single chamber fuel cell.

During the course of the reforming reaction, the reforming material of the reformer may give off heat and thereby may be used to heat the fuel cells and the system, or the material may absorb heat thereby contributing to the cooling of the fuel cells and the system. The reforming material may also have a neutral effect on the thermal equilibrium of the system. As a reforming material, a ceramic can be used, wherein the ceramic can also be coated with a reforming substance / material. It can also be used a mixture of metal and ceramic, wherein the mixture contains a reforming metal. The metal may additionally or alternatively also be added or simply admixed to prevent the extent of unwanted carbon deposition (eg, Cu) and / or to increase the electrical conductivity of the reformer.

Preference is given to a reforming material or a reforming material combination and / or a substrate (if available) which is electrically conductive, in particular under operating conditions, these components serving as a current collector for all the electrical power generated in the fuel cell system or for a part thereof can be, and wherein the electrical power is transmitted to other system components such as heat exchangers, fuel pipes, electrical contacts. In all such embodiments, the use of electrically insulating devices prevents electrical shorting between the anodes and cathodes of the fuel cell system. The insulators may be made of plastic, ceramic, glass or metal with non-conductive surface layers (eg ceramic oxide).

Preferably, the material (s) having reforming activity contained in the reforming component (s) is selected from a reforming metal and / or a reforming ceramic whose activity can be increased by the addition of other materials. The material can also be applied to the surface of a preferably ceramic or metallic substrate. Preferred catalytically active materials are noble metals (preferred are Pt, Rh, Pd, Ru, Ir, Ag, Au) and / or the metals of the subgroup elements (transition metals) (preference is given to Ni, Fe, V, W, Mo, Co, Ce, Cu) and / or non-metallic inorganic / ceramic compounds (preferred are perovskite, nickelate, copper oxide, zinc oxide). To increase the activity, additives are mixed into the compounds, with alkali or alkaline earth metals being preferred. Substrates which may also have activating effects may consist of magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide and / or an ion conducting compound, in particular an oxygen ion conducting compound such as doped zirconia, doped ceria, doped gallate and / or doped bismuth oxide or it may be metal such as high temperature steel be used. Particularly preferred are steels having a ceramic-coated surface and wherein the surface is coated with a catalytically active material. Combinations of the abovementioned compounds (for example as an alloy) are also possible according to the invention.

The reforming material and / or a substrate of the reforming material can also be used after the fuel cells have already been installed in the space provided for this purpose. The material can be used as a suspension, powder or paste and can then be cured. The curing process may be initiated chemically or physically using, for example, heat treatment and / or pressure reduction, additional chemical agents (eg, precipitants, polymerization additives), or radiation (eg, microwaves, UV light). It is also possible to apply a substrate material for a reforming material or component. For this purpose, the above-mentioned methods can be used. A catalytically active or reforming component can also be applied by precipitation from a solution or, for example, by sputtering. The reforming material or its substrate may also directly contact the outer electrode of a tubular SOFC. The reformer or at least its substrate can be made by a ceramic process. The process can be an injection molding process. Extrusion or the production of a porous polymer foam can also be used to produce the reformer, the foam then being coated with ceramic; a heat treatment then gives rise to a ceramic structure. Metal substrates may be, for example, foams or nets. During manufacture of the fuel cell system, the reformer may be deployed after incorporation of the fuel cell (s) into the system, which may be accomplished by injecting a foam, spraying, dipping, pumping, plasma coating, electrochemical separation, electrophoretic deposition, and / or sputtering. Also, the cells may be inserted into the reformer, and the reformer has the corresponding recesses for the fuel cells and / or system components (eg, tubes, afterburners, heat exchangers), the recesses already being used during the manufacturing process (eg Burnout of lost-mold elements from plastic or carbon or other compounds that may be burned out, but mold elements may also be etched or removed) or by using subsequent mechanical processing (eg drilling, milling) or using chemical processes (eg. B. etching) are formed. Channels for supplying the fuel cells with gases and / or for the media flow through the reformer can also be made according to the manufacture of the recesses for the fuel cells. It can also be used a combination of all the above processes.

In order to improve the electrical contact between the fuel cell and the reforming material, an additional, preferably porous layer may be applied and / or at least one additional contact (eg a metal track of silver, nickel, steel, copper) may be incorporated between the fuel cell and the reforming material. For example, the layer may consist of a ceramic and / or one or more metallic components having a high electrical conductivity, and is stable under certain predetermined operating conditions. When the reformer is encapsulated and the outer electrode atmosphere is oxidizing (e.g., air), noble metals such as Ag, Au, Pt, Ru, Ir, Rh, Pd, high temperature steels (coated if necessary to control the evaporations of Reduce chromium and other compounds that can damage cell and / or system components), ceramic compounds such as perovskite or nickelate. Under reducing conditions and oxidizable materials can be used, for. As nickel, copper, cobalt or iron. For example, the layers may be applied by dipping, pumping, spraying, spraying, plasma coating, electrochemical deposition, electrophoretic deposition, sputtering and / or precipitation. Thanks to the layers, the electrical contact between the reformer or its encapsulating material and the adjacent electrodes can be realized. In a preferred embodiment of the Fuel cell system is / are arranged one or more heat exchangers and / or afterburner in the immediate vicinity of one or more reformer. This can lead to an intense heat exchange between the components and the reformer (s). This may in particular be realized in such a way that the reformer, which may also be gas-tightly encapsulated, contains recesses which provide the space required for one or more integrated afterburners and / or heat exchangers. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the system components may be attached to or disposed in close proximity to one or more reformers. The direct or indirect proximity of the system components and the fuel cell (s) or fuel cell stacks may also be advantageous, which may be due to an arrangement of the system components in or near the reformer.

Also advantageous is an additional combination of the reformer with an ignition mechanism (electrical, piezo ignition, mechanical spark generation, etc.) and / or external burners to heat the system to its operating temperature, or where the burners serve as a general additional heating system. A fuel cell system according to the invention also offers the option of using the amount of at least one gaseous reactant supplied per unit time, at least under reforming conditions, to control the temperature and / or performance and / or efficiency of the system or parts of the system. For example, and in the case of a POx reformer (partial oxidation), an increased oxygen / fuel ratio can be used to power up the system, i. H. a larger amount of air with a constant supply of fuel, resulting in a greater amount of complete oxidation in the reformer and resulting in higher heat generation. By choosing a suitable fuel and / or catalyst, it is possible to start an exothermic reaction and thus increase the heat even at low temperatures (eg this can apply to noble metals and hydrogen, alcohols and hydrocarbons at room temperature). The option of choosing an additional burner to heat the system to its operating temperature is also available. If desired, an external igniter (eg, filament, piezo igniter, spark generation mechanism, heated noble metal wire) can also be used to ignite the reaction in the reformer. Once the operating temperature is reached, the oxygen / carbon reaction is reduced, which in turn reduces heat generation while increasing the efficiency of the system. To cool the system, a smaller amount of reactant is generally added; if necessary, the oxygen / carbon ratio is increased again to prevent or reduce the undesirable deposition of carbon in the system. Due to the high resistance to temperature changes of the microtubular fuel cells, which are preferably used, it is possible to cool the reformer very quickly, and complex control systems are unnecessary. Since this embodiment uses microtubular cells, temperature variations in the reformer during operation mode present no difficulties. The resistance to temperature changes allows a very compact design, which also allows the reformer to cool, e.g. Example, by means of increased air supply in the cathode segment of the fuel cell used, which in turn reduces the number of valves, regulator components and other peripheral devices.

The following figures are merely exemplary in order to illustrate the invention.

The accompanying drawings show:

1 an example of an integrated reformer;

2 an example with several microtubular SOFCs;

3 an example of an integrated reformer and additional gas channels;

4 another example of the invention;

5a & 5b an example showing the reformer encapsulated with a partition wall;

6a & 6b another example;

7a & 7b an example showing the reformer with an integrated heat exchanger;

8a & 8b an example with heat exchangers;

9 an example with an afterburner;

10 an example with a Peltier element;

11 an example with a pipe;

1 shows an example of an integrated reformer 1 containing a microtubular SOFC or a stack of microtubular SOFCs 2 encloses, wherein the SOFCs from at least one inner electrode 3 and an outer electrode 5 with one between the electrodes 3 . 5 lying electrolyte 4 are formed.

This in 2 The SOFC system shown includes more than one microtubular SOFC 2 or stacks of microtubular SOFCs 2 , where the SOFCs from the integrated reformer 1 be enclosed directly.

The SOFC system as it is in 3 shown in the integrated reformer 1 built-in or recessed gas channels 6 , wherein the gas channels, the gas supply to the outer electrodes 5 microtubular SOFCs or stacks of microtubular SOFCs 2 improve.

For a simultaneous current dissipation of one of the electrodes of the microtubular SOFCs 2 - Preferably the outer electrode 5 - can the reformer 1 be used. In the in the 4 As shown in the preferred schematic arrangement, there is direct contact - optionally through additional interlayers or other electrically conductive devices - between the outer electrode 5 the microtubular SOFC 2 or the electrical contacts of the outer electrode 5 stacks of microtubular SOFCs 2 and the integrated reformer 1 , which is also electrically conductive in this case. The external current tap is made by the to the reformer 1 adjacent power contact 7 ,

5 shows an example where the reformer 9 with a partition 10 encapsulated. An inlet pipe 8th supplies reforming gas or gas mixture to the reformer 9 and through an outlet pipe 15 The Reformat leaves the reformer 9 , In this case, the inlet and the outlet pipe 8th respectively. 15 threaded to provide connection to other gas distribution devices. In the reformer 9 are fuel cells or fuel cell stacks 2 embedded, and the outer electrode 5 is by means of electrically conductive bands 12 with the reformer 9 electrically connected. The inner electrodes 3 the fuel cells 2 are by gas distribution facilities 13a and 13b connected, wherein the gas distribution devices 13a and 13b also to the current pickup of the electrodes 3 can serve. The supply of gas mixture) to the internal electrodes 3 via pipe 11 through the gas distribution device 13a , And the exit takes place by means of the outlet pipe 14 , the gas distribution device 13b is with the gas outlet pipe 14 connected. Also a one-sided attachment of the reformer 9 , a complete enclosure of the entire fuel cell 2 including the gas distribution facilities ( 13a . 13b ) or confining a fuel cell stack with the reformer 9 is possible. The reformer 9 may consist of a metal housing, which is preferably made of high temperature steel, and the steel may be coated with ceramic, oxide or other protective layers (eg LSM, LSCF) to prevent evaporation of the chromium. A ceramic housing or metal / ceramic housing may also be used, with reforming active metal applied to the inside of the housing. For example, the active material may be a net, a fixed bed, a foam, or a similar material. For clarity shows 5a a cross-section wherein the interior of the system is partially visible (eg, fuel cells). 5b shows a similar cross section perpendicular to the cross section of 5a ,

For clarity shows 6a a cross-section wherein the interior of the system is partially visible (eg, fuel cells). 6b shows a vertical cross section of a fuel cell system, the in 5 shown system is similar. In this system was a heat exchanger 35 for air in the reformer 9 additionally used. The different media of the reformer 9 and the heat exchanger 35 be through separate channels in the reformer 9 directed, causing a mixing of the media in the reformer 9 prevented. By means of a connection 16 , which is equipped with a thread for connection with other components, that is in the reformer 9 integrated heat exchanger 35 Supplied with air; this air leaves the heat exchanger 35 over the pipe 17 , The pipe 17 is with the gas chamber of the outer electrode (s) 5 the tubular fuel cells or fuel cell stacks 2 by means of a bore 18 connected, wherein cool or preferably heated gas by means of the heat exchanger 35 who in turn with the reformer 9 is in intense heat exchange, in the gas chamber of the outer electrode 5 penetrates. The exhaust gas of the outer electrode (s) 5 then, for example, through the hole 19 out. The exhaust gas can be reused for further conversions (eg supply of an afterburner downstream of the fuel cells) or can be used for further heat exchange. Here is the exhaust gas / product gas of the reformer 9 - electrically insulated by means of ceramic tubes or other insulation options if necessary - by means of the inlet tube 15 the feed pipe 11 to the inner electrodes 3 the tubular fuel cells 2 be supplied.

7 shows an example with reformer 9 , The housing 22 the reformer 9 includes a block of metal or a ceramic block or a block of a mixture of ceramic and metal, where necessary, the block may be partially hollow to reduce weight and save costs. Reactors that are constructed of films and in which the films include channels that are press fit, etched, laser cut, milled, or applied by any other means can also use the reformer 9 form. The medium to be reformed, e.g. As hydrocarbon or alcohols mixed with air, oxygen or water vapor, through the tube 20 directed. The inner wall of the tubes can be made with catalytically active material be coated, and / or the material of the inner wall of the tube 20 may comprise catalytically active material. The pipes 20 can also be filled with active material. For example, the latter may include powders, foams, nets or monoliths. Preferably, the inner walls of steel, wherein a ceramic layer is formed when it comes to the oxidation by air. Catalytically active components may be applied by using processes such as impregnation, vapor deposition, dipping, electrochemical deposition, spraying, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), or any other conventional ceramic or chemical or physical process. The reforming material enters the reactor at 8 and exits the reactor at 15. By means of a connection 17 air is supplied and enters 16 from the reactor. The air tube is the tube 21 , The immediate vicinity of the pipe 20 and 21 allows an intensive heat exchange between both media. Preferably, the tubes have a free flow area which prevents backlash and / or non-controllable combustion. This can be prevented, for example, by using so-called microchannels or by filling the inside of the tubes with powder, foams, monoliths or mesh. The critical free flow cross sections depend on pressures, concentrations and temperatures. Typically, the cross-sections should be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm. 7a shows page A and 7b shows page B. For clarity, some hidden tubes are shown as visible objects.

8th shows a 5 similar system. In this case, on the upper surface of 8a a heat exchanger 24 shown, wherein the heat exchanger is used to control the atmosphere (eg air) for the outer electrode 5 tubular SOFCs or stacks of solid oxide fuel cells 2 preheat. The reformer 9 is encapsulated and thus by the atmosphere of the outer electrodes 5 separated. In this example, the reformer 9 shortened in the direction of the side (C), so that the outer electrodes of the fuel cells. or fuel cell stacks 2 partly not from the reformer 9 are included. In this direction is the heat exchanger 24 extends and encloses on the side (C) the flow channels of the outer electrodes 5 , By using a sealing element (eg high-temperature adhesive, metal solder, glass solder, etc.) 23 For example, a preferred flow direction along the direction from side (C) to side (D) can be set. The atmosphere of the outer electrode 5 passes through the inlet pipe 26 in the heat exchanger 24 , In the heat exchanger 24 flow channels (omitted for clarity) are included, with the flow channels directing the fluid along side (C) through the heat exchanger. The sealing element 23 looks between the heat exchanger 24 and fuel cells or fuel cell units 2 a gas-tight connection, wherein the gas chamber of the outer electrodes 5 the cells or stacks 2 is separated in the direction of page C. At these points the fluid passes from the heat exchanger 24 into the gas chamber of the outer electrode 5 (not shown), resulting in the gas chamber of the outer electrode 5 causes a flow in the direction of side D. The following 8a shows a further heat exchanger 25 between the gas to be reformed and the reformer 9 allows an intense heat exchange. The gas to be reformed passes through an inlet pipe 27 in the heat exchanger 25 and occurs, for example, by means of a pipe 25b that the heat exchanger 25 by means of a gas fitting 8th the reformer 9 with the reformer 9 fluidly connects, from the heat exchanger.

9 shows a 8th similar system. For clarity shows 9 a cross-section wherein the interior of the system is partially visible (eg, fuel cells). In this case, the system became an afterburner 28 added. For example, exhaust gas / product gas reaches the reformer 9 the inner electrode 3 the fuel cell 2 by means of tube 30 , whereby the released exhaust gas of the internal electrodes 3 the fuel cells 2 by means of tube 32 the afterburner 28 reached. Here the exhaust gas of the inner electrode reacts 3 with the exhaust gas of the outer electrode 5 the tubular fuel cell 2 , where the air by means of pipe 31 the afterburner 28 is supplied. The afterburner 28 is preferably a catalytic burner, more preferably a pore burner or a burner comprising microchannels. The energy of the exhaust of the afterburner 28 , for example, when connecting 29 outlet, can continue to be used (eg, heat exchangers, Peltier element, partial feedback to the reaction chamber of the reformer, fuel cells). The installation of a jet pump between the cathode gas chamber and the afterburner 28 and between the anode gas chamber and the afterburner 28 is also advantageous. In this way, a pressurized reformate can absorb air or vice versa.

10 shows a fuel cell system similar to that in FIG 1 constructed element is constructed. For example, a Peltier element encloses 33 the reformer 1 in which the Peltier element is additionally provided on the outside of a heat-absorbing element (eg reformer, heat exchanger, ventilation duct, cold ambient temperatures) or a heat-emitting element 34 (eg reformer, burner, heat exchanger) is surrounded. Preferably, the system is constructed so that in the Peltier element 33 the largest possible temperature difference is available.

11 shows an example in which a pipe 35 by the reformer 1 is guided and the tube can serve for heating or cooling of a medium passing through the pipe 35 flows. Preferably, the tube in the coat absorbs an exothermic reaction of the reformer 1 Heat and gives in the case of an endothermic reaction in the reformer 1 Heat off.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• ISBN: 0-471-49926-9 [0002]

Claims (18)

Fuel cell system comprising at least one reformer with at least one high-temperature fuel cell, characterized in that the / the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) is constructed using a material or a combination of materials having a reforming effect, wherein a reformer is in the immediate vicinity of the at least one high-temperature fuel cell and / or at least one high-temperature fuel cell ( 2 ) encloses. Fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more high-temperature fuel cell (s) ( 2 ) are constructed as microtubular solid oxide fuel cells. Fuel cell system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the material / material combination, which / has a reforming effect, at least partially open-pored and / or gas channels are formed in the reformer. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ceramic material is used with a reforming effect. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material is applied with a reforming effect as a coating on the surface of a ceramic or metallic substrate or on the surface of a substrate made of a mixture of ceramic and metal. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material having a reforming effect is a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic or a mixture of ceramic and metallic components. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further material / additive, which has or promotes a higher catalytic activity, is contained in the material having a reforming effect and / or applied thereto. Fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that the catalytically active materials / additives noble metals such as Pt, Rh, Pd, Ru, Ir, Ag, Au and / or other metals of the subgroup elements (transition elements) and / or non-metallic inorganic / ceramic compounds such as perovskites , Nickelates, copper oxide, zinc oxide. Fuel cell system according to claim 7, characterized in that the material having a higher catalytic activity is an alkali or alkaline earth metal. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a substrate having a preferably catalyzing effect of magnesium oxide, alumina and / or an ion-conducting compound, in particular an oxygen-ion conductive compound such as doped zirconia, doped ceria, doped gallate, doped bismuth oxide, or a metal such as heat resistant Steel exists. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material with the reforming effect from which the reformer ( 1 . 9 ), a coating is applied and / or wherein the material is encapsulated. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the / the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) is gas-tightly encapsulated or gas-permeable, and is thereby separated from the atmosphere of at least one electrode ( 3 or 5 ) is completely or partially spatially separated. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) or the substrate of the reforming component is at least partially open-pored or constructed in the form of a network. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each individual fuel cell and / or one or more bundles of fuel cells ( 2 ) by one or more reformers ( 1 . 9 ) is / are surrounded. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the / the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) or the substrate (s) of the reformer (s) ( 1 . 9 ) are constructed of a gas-tight plate or plate-like structure or the reforming material is encapsulated in such, the plates recesses or cavities for one or more tubular fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks, wherein the recesses or cavities partially or completely the outside of the fuel cells or fuel cell stacks so that the atmosphere of the outer electrode (s) of the fuel cell (s) on the reformer ( 1 . 9 ), and wherein an oxidizing component can flow past the side of the partition wall / plate facing the fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks, and the reforming reactions at the away from the fuel cells and / or Fuel cell stack facing side of the partition / plate can be done or wherein an oxidizing component at the away from the fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks ( 2 ) side and the reforming reactions at the fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks ( 2 ) facing side of the partition / plate ( 10 ). Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more heat exchangers ( 34 ) and / or one or more afterburners ( 28 ) and / or one or more Peltier elements ( 33 ) and / or one or more other reformers in the immediate vicinity of the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) is / are arranged. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the / the reformer ( 1 . 9 ) is / are electrically conductive. Fuel cell system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition fuel cells and / or fuel cell stacks ( 2 ) the reformer (s) 1 . 9 ) surround.

Images