Method and control sub-system for operating a power generation system having a fuel-cell

A control sub-system for operating a power generation system, wherein the power generation system comprises a fuel-cell and at least one auxiliary load, the control sub-system comprising:

• a sensor coupled to the fuel-cell and configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of an electrical current generated by the fuel-cell;
• one or more switches coupled between the fuel-cell and the at least one auxiliary load;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and the one or more switches, wherein the controller is configured to:
• detect a water deficient condition of the fuel-cell based on the electrical signal generated by the sensor;
• and
• operate, if the water deficient condition is detected, the at least one auxiliary load of the power generation system via use of the electrical current generated by the fuel-cell to maintain a steam-carbon ratio in the fuel-cell above a threshold steam-carbon ratio value.

A power generation system, comprising:

• a fuel-cell;
• at least one auxiliary load;
• a control sub-system operatively coupled to the fuel-cell and the at least one auxiliary load, the control sub-system comprising:
• a sensor coupled to the fuel-cell and configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of an electrical current generated by the fuel-cell;
• one or more switches coupled between the fuel-cell and the at least one auxiliary load;
• a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and the one or more switches, wherein the controller is configured to:
• detect a water deficient condition of the fuel-cell based on the electrical signal generated by the sensor;
• and
• operate, if the water deficient condition is detected, the at least one auxiliary load of the power generation system via use of the electrical current generated by the fuel-cell to maintain a steam-carbon ratio in the fuel-cell above a threshold steam-carbon ratio value.