Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell with an anode region and a cathode region, a burner for burning exhaust gases from the fuel cell and also additional fuel that may optionally be supplied, and a storage volume for intermediate storage of exhaust gases that flow away continuously or discontinuously via a valve from the anode region of the fuel cell, the storage volume being arranged between the anode region and the burner. The hot exhaust gases of the burner are expanded in an expansion device. A method of the operation of a fuel cell system involves controlling an additional valve after the storage volume.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a fuel cell system that is designed to react a fuel with an oxidant, the fuel cell system can be switched between an idle condition and an active operating condition. In the idle condition, energy is supplied to an energy consumer, at least in part, from an energy storage device, and the fuel is moved actively within the fuel cell system.