Abstract: The invention relates to a device with a fuel cell or a stack of fuel cells, wherein one electrode of a fuel cell is separated from an adjoining channel or chamber through which an operating substance is supplied by means of a perforated plate. The size and/or the density of the holes increases towards the edge starting from a median line and the median line extends in parallel to the direction of flow of the operating substance. The inventive device more reliably avoids thermal gradients in the interior of the fuel cell or of a stack of fuel cells. In order to prevent the occurrence of temperature gradients, the device is cooled by evaporating a coolant in an external cooling system. The heat is mainly transferred by thermal radiation.

Abstract: Fuel cell power stations have established themselves as methods for producing electricity, heat and hydrogen from fossil fuels. Up to now, the resulting CO2 can be liquefied and subsequently stored or deposited in beds only by using complicated techniques. According to the inventive method, the majority of the carbon, which is located inside the fuel that contains hydrocarbons, is converted into solid carbon before the actual electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell. The solid carbon can then be easily passed out of the system and no longer presents any threat to the environment. The resulting carbon constitutes a valuable product, which can be utilized for other process steps or sold.

Abstract: In a method for operating a SOFC high-temperature fuel cell, wherein a hydrogen-containing fuel is converted internally in the fuel cell by an endothermic reaction at the anode thereof into a synthesis gas, which is converted by an exothermic reaction into electricity, fuel is supplied to the fuel cell, to cool the fuel cell, in an excess amount such that, with a predetermined average current density flow, the fuel utilization degree is below 40%, whereas the oxygen is supplied stoichiometrically corresponding to the amount of electricity generating requirements. No additional coolants are therefore reqired for the cooling of the fuel cell.

Abstract: In a fuel cell including two electrodes, an electrolyte layer disposed between the two electrodes and a gas distribution structure for supplying an operating medium to an electrode, the gas distribution structure consists of several modular gas distribution units, which are interconnected with one another in a flexible manner.

Abstract: In a method for operating a SOFC high-temperature fuel cell, wherein a hydrogen-containing fuel is converted internally in the fuel cell by an endothermic reaction at the anode thereof into a synthesis gas, which is converted by an exothermic reaction into electricity, fuel is supplied to the fuel cell, to cool the fuel cell, in an excess amount such that, with a predetermined average current density flow, the fuel utilization degree is below 40%, whereas the oxygen is supplied stoichiometrically corresponding to the amount of electricity generating requirements. No additional coolants are therefore reqired for the cooling of the fuel cell.