A method for cooling fuel cells

The invention relates to a device with a fuel cell and cooling means and a cooling method for operating such a device. DOLLAR A object of the invention is to provide a method for cooling, which allows efficient operation of a fuel cell. The object of the invention is the creation of an associated device. DOLLAR A The object is achieved by the fuel cell or fuel gases of the fuel cell by conversion of a liquid to be cooled in a gas. The dissipated heat of a liquid is thus supplied, which is thereby converted into a gas. DOLLAR A To perform the method is, for. B. provided a fuel cell having a quench cooler and a line coming from the quench to the fuel cell so that fuel or oxidant from the quench can pass via the feed line to the fuel cell. In the quench water is vaporized and thus removed from the fuel or oxidant heat. DOLLAR A without large pressure losses is cooled and oxidant or fuel at the same time humidified desired. Cooling may be necessary, for example in connection to an external reforming.