OPERATION STOPPING METHOD OF FUEL CELL SYSTEM

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation stopping method of a fuel cell system capable of maintaining a stable output for a long period of time, through restraint of degradation of catalyst due to infiltration of outer air or detention of carbon monoxide accompanying a stopping action of the device. SOLUTION: At stopping of operation of the system, solenoid valves 10, 11 are closed to stop supplying fuel gas from a transformer 3 as well as air from an air supply device 7 to a PEFC 4, and at the same time, solenoid valves 12, 13 at an exhaust side of the PEFC 4 are closed. Then, a solenoid valve 14 is opened to supply hydrogen from a hydrogen storage alloy tank 6 into the PEFC 4. Although temperature inside the PEFC 4 falls as supply of the fuel cell and the air stops, and the PEFC 4 to have fall, the supply of the hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage alloy tank 6 helps it to maintain nearly an ambient pressure to prevent infiltration of outside air. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT