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Apparatus and method for addition of electrolyte to fuel cells

A technology of fuel cells and electrolytes, which is applied in molten electrolyte fuel cells, fuel cell additives, electrolyte flow processing, etc., and can solve the problems of reduced catalytic effect and reduced electrochemical performance of fuel cells

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-06-21
GENCELL INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] For fuel cells utilizing liquid phase electrolytes, depleting the electrolyte reserves below the level required to partially saturate the pore volume of the fuel cell electrodes can lead to a reduction in the catalytic performance of the fuel cell. Small and reduced electrochemical performance

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  • Apparatus and method for addition of electrolyte to fuel cells
  • Apparatus and method for addition of electrolyte to fuel cells

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Embodiment Construction

[0015] The electrolyte delivery device, fuel cell assembly including the electrolyte delivery device, and method of using the electrolyte delivery device represent a significant technological advance. The devices disclosed herein can be used to keep the electrolyte level virtually constant even during operation of the fuel cell or fuel cell stack. Such a virtually constant electrolyte level provides important benefits including, for example, fuel cell operation at high capacity without undesired efficiency drops caused by electrolyte depletion.

[0016] According to certain examples, an electrolyte delivery device including an electrolyte reservoir and a fluid conduit is disclosed. The electrolyte reservoir holds fluid including electrolyte for delivery via the fluid conduit to a fuel cell in fluid communication with the electrolyte reservoir. In some instances, the electrolyte to be delivered has substantially the same composition as the electrolyte used by the fuel cell in ...

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Abstract

An electrolyte delivery device is provided comprising an electrolyte reservoir (505), a heating device (508) and a pressure generator (514). The electrolyte delivery device is configured to supply electrolyte to a fuel cell or fuel cell stack, such as a molten carbonate fuel cell, and in some instances, to supply electrolyte to an operating fuel cell or fuel cell stack. A fuel cell assembly including an electrolyte delivery device and a method of using the electrolyte delivery device are also provided.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to electrochemical fuel cells and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for adding electrolytes, such as molten carbonate electrolytes, to fuel cells. [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 462,645, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Addition of Molten Carbonate Electrolyte to an Operating Molten Carbonate FuelCell," filed April 14, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes merged here. Background technique [0003] A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that generates direct electric current and thermal energy. A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells stacked in series relationship for higher usable voltage output capacity. [0004] Fuel cells are often distinguished by the type of electrolyte used. For example, a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) may us...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): H01M8/04H01M2/12H01M2/36H01M8/14
CPCH01M8/04283Y02E60/50H01M8/04H01M8/14
Inventor 杰弗里·P·艾伦
Owner GENCELL INC