Abstract: A multifuel fuel cell system includes a hydrogen production unit; at least one fuel cell; means for heating a first catalytic converter element in the hydrogen production unit to an operating temperature which can be preset; means for metering liquid fuel, air, and optionally water to the catalytic converter element to produce a synthetic gas mixture containing hydrogen or a reformate; and means for passing the synthetic gas or reformate to further components of the hydrogen production unit which are connected between the catalytic converter element and the at least one fuel cell. The fuel cell system also contains means for switching the fuel cell system between a first and a second operating mode.

Abstract: A combined component consists of a heat exchanger and a reactor. The heat exchanger is designed in a plate form, and flow spaces for a first medium and a second medium are alternately defined between successive plates. The plates of the heat exchanger are configured as essentially annular. The heat exchanger has, substantially perpendicularly to the plates, a tubular outer wall and a tubular inner wall. The reactor is surrounded by the inner wall of the heat exchanger. The product of the reactor is conducted through supply orifices on the inner wall of the heat exchanger into the flow spaces for one of the two fluids in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a catalyst body for generating hydrogen having at least one thin, large-surface catalyst layer, through which the reaction mixture can be passed includes steps of pressing a copper powder (particularly dendritic copper) to form a thin and highly compressed layer which forms a formed body, sintering, the formed body in a reducing atmosphere so that a net-type carrier structure made of copper is formed, and activating a surface layer of the formed body.

Abstract: A combined component consists of a heat exchanger and of a reactor. The heat exchanger is designed in a plate form, and flow spaces for a first medium and a second medium are alternately between successive plates. The plates of the heat exchanger are configured as essentially annularly. The heat exchanger has, substantially perpendicularly to the plates, a tubular outer wall and a tubular inner wall. The reactor is surrounded by the inner wall of the heat exchanger. The product of the reactor is conducted through supply orifices on the inner wall of the heat exchanger into the flow spaces for one of the two fluids in the heat exchanger.