Plasmatron-fuel cell system for generating electricity

Method for starting a plasmatron/fuel cell system for generating electricity comprising:

• Providing a plasmatron to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from a hydrocarbon;
• Providing a fuel cell connected to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron to generate electricity and supply a portion of the generated electricity to the plasmatron;
• Providing a battery connected to receive electricity from the fuel cell and to supply electricity to the plasmatron;
• Delivering current from the battery to the plasmatron to initiate plasmatron operation to produce hydrogen-rich gas;
• and
• Introducing the produced hydrogen-rich gas into the fuel cell to begin generation of electricity in the fuel cell.

Method for starting a plasmatron/fuel cell system for generating electricity comprising:

• Providing a plasmatron to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from a hydrocarbon;
• Providing a fuel cell connected to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron to generate electricity and supplying a portion of the generated electricity to the plasmatron;
• Providing structure for storing hydrogen-rich gas and connected to supply the hydrogen-rich gas to the fuel cell;
• Supplying hydrogen-rich gas from the hydrogen storage structure to the fuel cell to begin fuel cell operation to generate electricity;
• and
• Applying a portion of the generated electricity to the plasmatron to begin its operation to supply hydrogen-rich gas to the fuel cell to sustain its operation.

A self propelled vehicle comprising:

• a plasmatron for generating a hydrogen rich gas from a hydrocarbon;
• a fuel cell connected to receive the hydrogen rich gas from the plasmatron to generate electricity, a portion of the generated electricity being supplied to the plasmatron;
• an electric motor connected to receive electricity from the fuel cell;
• and
• drive means connected to the motor for propelling the vehicle.