Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one spark igniter containing an insulated cable where at least a first end of the insulated cable is positioned within a reaction zone of the fuel cell system. A power supply is configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage to the at least one spark igniter such that a spark is generated at the first end of the insulated cable.

Abstract: One variation of an electrolyzer system includes a skid loaded with a set of modules including a feed-supply module, configured to generate a feed mixture of carbon dioxide and water, and, an electrolysis module including: a cell stack arranged within an insulated housing and configured to receive metered volumes of the feed mixture from the feed-supply module to generate a fuel mixture of syngas, water, and carbon dioxide via electrolysis; and a set of heating elements configured to regulate temperature of the cell stack within a target temperature range and regulate temperatures of the feed mixture, the air mixture, and the fuel mixture within the insulated housing. The skid can further include: a processing module configured to extract syngas from the fuel mixture received from the electrolysis module; and a power module configured to drive a voltage across the cell stack to promote electrolysis of the feed mixture.

Abstract: One variation of an electrolyzer system includes a skid loaded with a set of modules including a feed-supply module, configured to generate a feed mixture of carbon dioxide and water, and, an electrolysis module including: a cell stack arranged within an insulated housing and configured to receive metered volumes of the feed mixture from the feed-supply module to generate a fuel mixture of syngas, water, and carbon dioxide via electrolysis; and a set of heating elements configured to regulate temperature of the cell stack within a target temperature range and regulate temperatures of the feed mixture, the air mixture, and the fuel mixture within the insulated housing. The skid can further include: a processing module configured to extract syngas from the fuel mixture received from the electrolysis module; and a power module configured to drive a voltage across the cell stack to promote electrolysis of the feed mixture.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel cell system is provided. The method includes controlling a provision of fuel to the fuel cell system operating in a steady-state mode. The catalyst sensor is operated by providing a portion of the fuel and anode exhaust generated by the system to the catalyst sensor. Further, a change in an outlet temperature of the catalyst sensor is detected. Thereafter, it is determined whether a reformation catalyst of the catalyst sensor is poisoned by contaminants in the fuel based on the detected change in the outlet temperature.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of operating the same, the system including: a fuel cell stack and a reaction zone configured to receive a fuel/air mixture; an electromagnetic induction glow plug configured to heat the fuel/air mixture; and an alternating current (AC) generator configured to provide an AC voltage to the glow plug. The glow plug includes a housing extending outside of the hotbox, a heating element disposed in the housing, and a coil coiled around the housing, electrically connected to the AC generator, and configured to inductively heat the heating element.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of operating the same, the system including: a fuel cell stack and a reaction zone configured to receive a fuel/air mixture; an electromagnetic induction glow plug configured to heat the fuel/air mixture; and an alternating current (AC) generator configured to provide an AC voltage to the glow plug. The glow plug includes a housing extending outside of the hotbox, a heating element disposed in the housing, and a coil coiled around the housing, electrically connected to the AC generator, and configured to inductively heat the heating element.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one spark igniter containing an insulated cable where at least a first end of the insulated cable is positioned within a reaction zone of the fuel cell system. A power supply is configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage to the at least one spark igniter such that a spark is generated at the first end of the insulated cable.