System and method for controlling the operation of a fuel processsing system

A method for controlling the operation of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing system, which system comprises a fuel processor which in use in a running state of the fuel processing system receives a feed stream and produces hydrogen gas therefrom, a feed assembly which in use in the running state of the fuel processing system delivers the feed stream to the fuel processor, a fuel cell stack which in use in the running state of the fuel processing system receives at least a portion of the hydrogen gas, and control means which in use in the running state of the fuel processing system automates the operation of the fuel processing system, and in which method the control means:

• receives inputs of selected operating parameters of the fuel processing system;
• determines whether a measured value of a selected operating parameter is above or below a determined threshold value or value range and thereby outside normal operating parameters of the system, and, if so;
• selects in accordance with said determination whether the fuel processing system is to be transitioned to a selected operating state available to the fuel processing system;
• and
• sends command signals to transition the fuel processing system from its running state to the selected state, wherein the selected operating state is selected from a plurality of operating states that comprises at least:
• i) a standby state in which the control means achieves and maintains determined operating temperatures and pressures within the fuel processor but in which hydrogen gas is not being generated in more than a nominal amount by the fuel processing system;
• and
• ii) a faulted state in which the flow of feedstock to the fuel processor is stopped and in which the control means awaits an input for a duration of time before automatically attempting to transition the system to another operating state of the plurality of operating states.