Liquid membrane cell assembly

Abstract

A liquid membrane cell assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the liquid membrane cell assembly includes an elongated base having opposing first and second ends and a central portion disposed therebetween. The first and second ends each include an elongated body, an electrolyte channel in the body, an electrolyte port fluidly connected to the electrolyte channel, a fuel channel in the body, and a fuel port fluidly connected to the fuel channel. The central portion includes spaced apart and opposing first and second members connecting the bases of the first and second portions and defining an open area therebetween in a horizontal direction. The liquid membrane cell assembly further includes an anode adjacent the first and second members and a cathode adjacent the first and second members such that the base is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The anode and cathode vertically define an open area therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The mixing chamber or membrane cell of a fuel cell or a flow battery typically contains two chemical substances separated by a semipermeable membrane.

Background Art

[0002] The membrane needs to allow protons to pass through while enabling electrons to move through the system via an electrical load. However, semipermeable membranes are generally costly, have a short lifespan, and limited performance, which are the weaknesses of the above-mentioned fuel cells and flow batteries.

[0003] In a membrane-free system (which may also be referred to as a "liquid membrane system"), the semipermeable membrane is eliminated, and the fuel and electrolyte flow side by side at a similar rate to achieve minimal mixing and are separated into different outlet ports when exiting the mixing cell or region. However, there were several problems with conventional membrane-free systems. For example, if the electrolyte and fuel fluid mix more than minimally, the system efficiency may decrease or permanent damage to the catalyst may occur.

[0004] Furthermore, in a bromine / hydrogen bromide membrane-free cell, bromine is converted to hydrogen bromide along the cathode surface (where electrons are available), forming a physical and electrical barrier to the remaining bromine in the fluid flow, making further conversion of the fuel difficult. Additionally, when the liquid passes through the liquid membrane cell, turbulence may start to dominate the movement (regardless of whether it is intentionally induced), potentially reducing the effectiveness of the cell or causing the fuel and electrolyte liquids to mix.

[0005] Furthermore, chemically measuring the transition state of fuel conversion (or the reversal of the charge state) is difficult, costly, and potentially inaccurate, especially in fully automated systems such as flow batteries. Without the information mentioned above, the primary measurement of the charge state (SoC) becomes the flow of electricity in and out of the cell during use. However, such measurements are a combination of multiple factors, and understanding each factor individually allows for more efficient and effective tracking of system performance (such as degradation), enabling real-time system modifications to improve efficiency. Additionally, the materials used in membrane-less systems are expensive. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Therefore, a membrane-free cell assembly is desired that minimizes mixing of electrolyte and fuel fluid, increases the fuel conversion rate per unit length of the mixing chamber, increases the power output per unit length of the mixing chamber, reduces the overall electrical resistance of the mixing chamber, maintains laminar flow within the mixing cell or region, measures the charge state in real time, and uses reactants economically and efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of an example of a liquid membrane cell assembly in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the liquid membrane cell assembly shown in Figure 1, with the fastener shown in Figure 1 removed. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an isometric projection view of an example of the base of a liquid membrane cell assembly. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the base in Figure 3, cut along line 4-4 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing an example of a mixed airfoil. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing another example of a mixed wing. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing an example of a central bridge member with mixed wings. [Figure 8]Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing another example of a central bridge member with mixed wings. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing another example of a central bridge member with mixed wings. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing a further example of a central bridge member with cut-outs. [Figure 11] Figure 3 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing examples of the proximal and distal bridge members connecting the inlet and outlet bodies of the base. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing an example of an anode with a cavity to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing another example of first and second bridge members connecting the inlet and outlet bodies of the base to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a partial isometric view of the base, showing an example of an anode with a cavity to provide a larger mixing area. [Figure 15] Figure 1 is an isometric view of another example of the base of the liquid membrane cell assembly. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the base of the liquid membrane cell assembly, cut along line 16-16 in Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 1 shows graphs of the electrical output for various examples of liquid membrane cell assemblies. [Figure 18] Figure 1 shows an example of two liquid film cell assemblies connected in series, and an example of a charge state measurement assembly. [Figure 19] Figure 1 is a graph of the permeation profiles of various HBr / Br mixtures in the liquid membrane cell assembly. [Figure 20] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic diagram showing an example of non-alternating cell stacking of two liquid membrane cell assemblies. [Figure 21] Figure 1 is an exploded schematic diagram showing an example of alternating cell stacking of two liquid membrane cell assemblies. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Referring to Figures 1-4, an example of a liquid membrane cell assembly 100 is shown. The liquid membrane cell assembly includes a frame, skeleton or base 102, anode or anode plate 104, cathode or cathode plate 106, sealing gasket 108, end plate 110, and fasteners 112.

[0009] Unless expressly excluded, base 102 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. Base 102 includes an inlet end 114, an outlet end 116, and a central portion 118 positioned between the inlet and outlet ends. These portions may be attached to and / or formed to each other. In the examples shown in Figures 1-4, base 102 is elongated and is a one-piece part manufactured, for example, by 3D printing and / or injection molding. However, other examples of base 102 include non-elongated shapes and may be manufactured by other suitable methods. Base 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride).

[0010] The inlet end 114 includes an inlet body 120, within which a fuel inlet channel 122 and an electrolyte inlet channel 124 are located. The fuel channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are separated and clearly distinguishable from each other. In other words, the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are not fluidically connected within the inlet end 114. In the examples shown in Figures 1-4, the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel are planar and parallel and / or coaxial with each other. However, other examples of the inlet end 114 may include fuel and electrolyte channels that are not planar, parallel and / or coaxial with each other.

[0011] The inlet body 120 also includes a fuel inlet port 126 and an electrolyte inlet port 128 accessible from outside the inlet body. The fuel inlet port 126 is fluidically connected to the fuel inlet channel 122 but not to the electrolyte inlet channel 124, while the electrolyte inlet port 128 is fluidically connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 124 but not to the fuel inlet channel 122. The fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are separated and clearly distinguished from each other; in other words, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are not fluidically connected to each other. In the examples shown in Figures 1-4, the fuel inlet port 126 and the electrolyte inlet port 128 are perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel 122 and the electrolyte inlet channel 124. However, in other examples of the fuel inlet port 126 and / or electrolyte inlet port 128, they may not be perpendicular to the fuel inlet channel and the electrolyte inlet channel. The fuel inlet port 126 and / or electrolyte inlet port 128 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures that allow connection to the electrolyte inlet conduit 130 and the fuel inlet conduit 132, respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply container and / or a tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Furthermore, the inlet body 120 includes a flange portion 134 having an aperture 136 for receiving a fastener 112. In the example shown in Figures 1-4, the fuel inlet port and the electrolyte inlet port are located adjacent to one end of the inlet body 120, and the flange portion 134 is located adjacent to the opposite end of the inlet body and adjacent to the central portion 118.

[0012] Similarly, the outlet end 116 includes an outlet body 138 and has a fuel outlet channel 140 and an electrolyte outlet channel 142 within the outlet body. The fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are separated from each other and clearly distinct. In other words, the fuel outlet channel and the electrolyte outlet channel are not fluidly connected within the outlet end 116. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are planar, parallel, and / or coaxial with each other. However, other examples of the outlet end 116 may include electrolyte channels and outlet channels that are not planar, parallel, and / or coaxial with each other. Further, as best shown in FIG. 4, the fuel inlet channel 122 and the fuel outlet channel 140 are aligned with each other and further / or are in the same plane and / or coaxial. Similarly, the electrolyte inlet channel 124 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142 are in line with each other and further / or are on the same plane and / or coaxial.

[0013] The outlet body 138 also includes a fuel outlet port 144 and an electrolyte outlet port 146 accessible from outside the outlet body. The fuel outlet port 144 is fluidically connected to the fuel outlet channel 140 but not to the electrolyte outlet channel 142, while the electrolyte outlet port 146 is fluidically connected to the electrolyte outlet channel 142 but not to the fuel outlet channel 140. The fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are separated and clearly distinguished from each other; in other words, the fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are not fluidically connected to each other. In the examples shown in Figures 1-4, the fuel outlet port 144 and the electrolyte outlet port 146 are perpendicular to the fuel outlet channel 140 and the electrolyte outlet channel 142. However, in other examples of fuel outlet ports and electrolyte outlet ports, they may not be perpendicular to the fuel outlet port and the electrolyte outlet channel. The fuel outlet port 144 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 146 include threads 129 and / or other connection structures that can be connected to the fuel outlet conduit 148 and the electrolyte outlet conduit 150, respectively. These conduits may be connected to an output container and / or a tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Furthermore, the outlet body 138 includes a flange portion 152 having an opening 154 for receiving a fastener 112. In the example shown in Figures 1-4, the electrolyte outlet port and the fuel outlet port are located adjacent to one end of the outlet body 138, and the flange portion 152 is located adjacent to the opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent to the central portion 118.

[0014] The central section 118 includes a proximal bridge member 156 and a distal bridge member 158. The proximal and distal bridge members are spaced apart from each other and facing each other. The proximal and distal bridge members 156 and 158 connect the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. In the example shown in Figures 1-4, only the proximal and distal bridge members connect the inlet body and the outlet body. The proximal and distal bridge members each include an inner wall 160 and an outer wall 162 facing the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge members face each other, and the outer walls are spaced apart. The inlet body 120, the outlet body 138, the proximal bridge member 156, and the distal bridge member 158 collectively define (or horizontally define) a single mixed reaction region or open region 164 between them. In other words, the boundary of the open region 164 is formed by the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158, or by the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. The open region 164 fluidly connects the electrolyte inlet channel and fuel inlet channel at the inlet end to the electrolyte outlet channel and fuel outlet channel at the outlet end. In other words, the electrolyte input channel and fuel inlet channel are fluidly connected to the electrolyte output channel and fuel outlet channel only through the open region.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 5-9, in some examples, the central portion 118 may include one or more mixing protrusions, guide protrusions, or mixing vanes 166 attached to or formed with one or more inner walls 160. The mixing vanes promote a desired movement of fluid, such as guiding a fuel-rich region towards the cathode and maintaining an unmixed line between the fuel and the electrolyte. The mixing vanes extend horizontally or parallel to the fluid flow 167 (further / or parallel to the channels at the inlet end and / or outlet end), and further / or may be inclined upwardly and / or downwardly with respect to the fluid flow direction (further / or not parallel to the channels at the inlet end and / or outlet end). An example of a mixing vane 166 inclined downwardly with respect to the fluid flow 167 is shown in FIG. 6. The vanes may span the entire length or substantially the entire length of the open region 164, or may span one or more portions of the open region (e.g., intermittent small sections spaced apart along the length of the open region). The vanes may be of any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, one or more vanes may be in the shape of a triangular wedge or triangular prism. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, one or more vanes may be a series of connected triangular prisms that can be twisted or rotated about the longitudinal axis of the triangular prism. Other examples of shapes include curved sheets / planes and / or small hollow tubes.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, in some examples, the central portion 118 may include one or more internal or central bridge members 168 spaced between a proximal bridge member 156 and a distal bridge member 158. The central bridge members promote a desired movement of fluid, such as directing a fuel-rich region towards the cathode and maintaining an unmixed line between the fuel and the electrolyte. Similar to the proximal bridge member and the distal bridge member, the central bridge member connects the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138. The central bridge member is attached to or formed with one or more ends of the channel and / or the base at the inlet end and / or outlet end.

[0017] Each central bridge member 168 includes a proximal wall 170 and a distal wall 172 opposite the proximal wall. The central bridge members may be planar and / or parallel to the proximal and / or distal bridge members. Furthermore, the central bridge members 168 may be the same height as the proximal and / or distal bridge members (measured perpendicular to the flow direction), or they may be less high than the proximal and / or distal bridge members (e.g., 40%, 50%, or 60% of the height of the proximal and / or bridge members). If the central bridge members are the same height as or substantially the same height as the proximal and / or distal bridge members, the open region 164 is divided into two or more open or mixed regions that are separated from and clearly distinguishable from each other. In other words, the two or more open regions are not fluidly connected to each other. In contrast, if the central bridge member is smaller or substantially smaller than the height of the proximal and / or distal bridge members, the fluid can flow from one side of the central bridge member to the opposite side of those members within the open region. Furthermore, one or both walls of the central bridge member may be provided with one or more mixing vanes 166, as shown in Figures 7-9. In addition, the central bridge member may have apertures, cutouts, or cuts through 174, as shown in Figure 10, to allow for horizontal fluid flow and generate local turbulence to bring fuel-rich portions of the fluid to the cathode surface.

[0018] Referring to Figures 11-14, the proximal bridge member 156, the distal bridge member 158, and / or the anode 104 may be configured to give the open region 164 an appropriate volume and / or shape to promote or facilitate laminar flow of fuel and / or electrolyte in the open region. As shown in Figure 11, when the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the inlet body 120 and the outlet body 138, the open region has a nominal volume in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Figure 12, when the anode 104 includes a cavity 176, the volume of the open region 164 is larger than the nominal volume, becoming trapezoidal and resulting in compression perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.

[0019] If the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are not parallel to each other, nor perpendicular to the inlet and outlet bodies, and are further apart at the inlet body 120 compared to the example in Figure 11, but converge toward the outlet body 138 from the inlet body 120, the open region 164 will have a larger volume than the nominal volume and will be trapezoidal, as shown in Figure 13, resulting in compression in the direction of fluid flow horizontally. If the anode 104 contains a cavity 176, and the proximal bridge member 156 and the distal bridge member 158 are not parallel to each other, nor perpendicular to the inlet and outlet bodies, and are further apart at the inlet body 120 compared to the example in Figure 11, but converge toward the outlet body 138 from the inlet body 120, the open region 164 will have a larger volume than in the examples in Figures 11-13, will be trapezoidal, as shown in Figure 14, resulting in compression in both the direction of fluid flow horizontally and perpendicularly. The proximal and distal bridge members can be formed by subtractive manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the anode plate and / or cathode plate may be rotated to provide the desired mixed cell shape. The anode plate and / or cathode plate may be formed by subtractive manufacturing techniques such as a CNC milling machine or equivalent machine. Although modifications to the open region have been described, the same or similar modifications may also be made to one or more channels at the inlet and / or outlet ends.

[0020] Referring to Figures 15-16, alternative examples of base 102 are shown and are generally indicated by reference numeral 202. Unless expressly excluded, base 202 may additionally or alternatively include one or more components and / or structures of other bases of the present disclosure. Similar to base 102, base 202 includes an inlet end 214, an outlet end 216, and a central portion 218 positioned between the inlet and outlet ends, and these portions may be attached to and / or formed to each other. In the examples shown in Figures 15-16, base 202 is elongated and a one-piece part manufactured, for example, by 3D printing or injection molding. However, other examples of base 202 may be non-elongated in shape or manufactured by other suitable methods. Base 102 may be made of one or more suitable materials, such as one or more plastic materials (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride).

[0021] The inlet end 214 is the same as, or substantially the same as, the inlet end 114. For example, the inlet end 214 includes an inlet body 220 having a fuel inlet channel 222 and an electrolyte inlet channel 224 within the inlet body. The inlet body 220 also includes a fuel inlet port 226 and an electrolyte inlet port 228 accessible from outside the inlet body. The fuel inlet port 226 is fluidically connected to the fuel inlet channel 222 but not to the electrolyte inlet channel 224, and the electrolyte inlet port 228 is fluidically connected to the electrolyte inlet channel 224 but not to the fuel inlet channel 222. The fuel inlet port 226 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 228 include threads 229 and / or other connection structures that allow connection to an electrolyte inlet conduit and a fuel inlet conduit (not shown), respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply container and / or a tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Furthermore, the inlet body 220 includes a flange portion 234 with an opening 236 for receiving a fastener (not shown).

[0022] Similarly, the outlet end 216 includes the outlet body 238. However, unlike the outlet body 138, the outlet body 238 includes a fuel outlet channel 240, a mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and an electrolyte outlet channel 242 within the outlet body. The electrolyte outlet channels, mixed electrolyte outlet channels, and fuel outlet channels are separated and distinct from each other. In other words, the electrolyte outlet channels, mixed electrolyte outlet channels, and fuel outlet channels are not fluidically connected within the outlet end 216. The pure electrolyte discharged from the electrolyte outlet port can be immediately returned to the liquid membrane cell assembly for use. The mixed electrolyte from the mixed electrolyte port may be contaminated with fuel and is processed before being returned to the liquid membrane cell assembly. Examples of processing the mixed electrolyte include supplying the mixed electrolyte to the main fuel line for later use, passing the mixed electrolyte through a discharged liquid membrane cell to convert existing fuel into electrolyte and restore purity, and / or one or more physical processes to separate the fuel and electrolyte (e.g., distillation or density separation from spinning).

[0023] In the example shown in Figures 15-16, the fuel inlet channel 240, the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241, and the electrolyte outlet channel 242 are planar and parallel to each other. However, other examples of outlet ends 216 include fuel and electrolyte outlet channels that are not planar and / or are not parallel to each other. Furthermore, as best shown in Figure 16, the electrolyte inlet channel 224 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242 are collinear and / or coplanar and / or coaxial to each other. However, the fuel inlet channel 222 is collinear and / or coplanar and / or coaxial to both the fuel outlet channel 240 and the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241.

[0024] The outlet body 238 also includes a fuel outlet port 244, a mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and an electrolyte outlet port 246, all accessible from outside the outlet body. The fuel outlet port 244 is fluidically connected to the fuel outlet channel 240 but not to the mixed electrolyte channel 241 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242; the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245 is fluidically connected to the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241 but not to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the electrolyte outlet channel 242; and the electrolyte outlet port 246 is fluidically connected to the electrolyte outlet channel 242 but not to the fuel outlet channel 240 and the mixed electrolyte outlet channel 241. The fuel mixed electrolyte and electrolyte outlet ports are separated and distinct from each other and are not fluidically connected to one another. Furthermore, the fuel mixed electrolyte and electrolyte outlet ports are perpendicular to the fuel and electrolyte outlet channels, although in other examples they may not be perpendicular. The fuel outlet port 244, the mixed electrolyte outlet port 245, and / or the electrolyte outlet port 246 each include threads 229 and / or other connection structures that enable connection to an electrolyte outlet conduit, a mixed electrolyte outlet conduit, and a fuel outlet conduit (not shown), respectively. These conduits may be connected to an output container and / or a tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane cell assembly. Furthermore, the outlet body 238 includes a flange portion 252 with an opening 254 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In the example shown in Figures 15-16, the electrolyte outlet port, the mixed electrolyte outlet port, and the fuel outlet port are located adjacent to one end of the outlet body 238, and the flange portion 252 is located adjacent to the opposite end of the outlet body and adjacent to the central portion 218.

[0025] The central section 218 includes a proximal bridge member 256 and a distal bridge member 258. The proximal and distal bridge members are spaced apart from each other and facing each other. The proximal and distal bridge members 256 and 258 connect the inlet body 220 and the outlet body 238. Each of the proximal and distal bridge members includes an inner wall 260 and an outer wall 262 opposite the inner wall. The inner walls of the bridge members face each other, and the outer walls are spaced apart. The inlet body 220, outlet body 238, proximal bridge member 256, and distal bridge member 258 collectively constitute a single mixing region, reaction region, or open region 264 defined (or horizontally defined) between them. The open region 264 fluidly connects the electrolyte inlet channel and fuel inlet channel at the inlet end to the electrolyte outlet channel, mixed electrolyte outlet channel, and fuel outlet channel at the outlet end.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1-4, the anode or anode plate 104 is adjacent to the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152 at the inlet and outlet ends. Similarly, the cathode or cathode plate 106 is adjacent to the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152 at the inlet and outlet ends, and the base 102 is positioned between the anode and the cathode. In the configuration shown in Figures 1-4, the anode 104 is supported on the central portion 118 and the flange portions 134 and 152, and the cathode 106 supports the above components, including the anode. Alternatively, the configuration may be reversed, with the cathode being supported by other components and the anode supporting those components. In yet another configuration, the components may be oriented laterally, and neither the anode nor the cathode may support any other components.

[0027] Furthermore, the anode 104 includes a fluid opening 176 for a reaction gas (such as hydrogen) and an aperture 178 for receiving the fastener 112. However, the anode 104 may be porous and may not have a fluid opening. Similarly, the cathode 106 includes an aperture 180 for receiving the fastener 112. Furthermore, wiring 182 is connected (or electrically connected) to the anode, and wiring 184 is connected (or electrically connected) to the cathode. The anode 104 and cathode 106 can be of any suitable shape and made of suitable material. For example, the anode and cathode are rectangular parallelepiped graphite carbon plates. The anode 104 and cathode 106 define an open region 164 perpendicularly between them. In other words, the vertical boundary of the open region 164 is formed by the inner walls of the anode 104 and cathode 106. Therefore, the anode 104, cathode 106, inlet body 120, outlet body 138, proximal bridge member 156, and distal bridge member 158 collectively define an open region 164 between them. As described above, the anode 104 and / or cathode 106 may contain cavities such as a cavity 176 to increase the volume of the open region 164 or to change the shape of the open region 164. In other words, cavities in the anode and / or cathode partially define the open region 164.

[0028] In some examples, a sealing gasket 108 may be used between the anode / cathode and the base. The sealing gasket may be made of a suitable material such as carbon paper. The sealing gasket 108 includes an opening 183 for receiving a fastener 112. The end plate 110 includes an anode end plate 186 and a cathode end plate 188. The anode end plate is adjacent to and supported on the anode 104. The anode end plate 186 includes a reactant inlet port 190 and a reactant outlet port 192, which are fluidly connected to the anode and / or the fluid port of the anode. The reactant inlet port and outlet port may include threads and / or other connection structures that can be connected to a reactant inlet conduit 194 and a reactant outlet conduit 196, respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply container and / or tank. The cathode end plate is adjacent to and supports the cathode 106 and the other components of the liquid membrane cell assembly. The end plates can be made of a suitable material such as compressed acrylic plate. Fasteners 112 are inserted into the anode, cathode, sealing gasket (if used), and base openings, pressing the end plates together to secure them and connect the components of the liquid membrane cell assembly to create a liquid-tight seal.

[0029] Referring to Figure 17, a graph is shown illustrating the exemplary electrical output of the liquid membrane cell assembly of this disclosure when hydrogen bromide is the electrolyte, bromine (Br2) is the fuel, and hydrogen gas is the reactant. Negative currents represent the charging state of the system (left side of the graph), and positive currents represent the discharge state (right side of the graph). Data are shown for different concentrations of Br2 fuel (0.5 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M) and different ratios (in mm) of the vertical heights of the electrolyte channel and fuel channel (e.g., 3:1 is an electrolyte channel of 3 mm height and a fuel channel of 1 mm height).

[0030] Referring to Figure 18, a system 300 is shown in which a first liquid membrane cell assembly 302 and a second liquid membrane cell assembly 304 are connected in series. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly includes a base 305, an anode 306, a cathode 308, and an end plate 310. The base includes an inlet end 312, an outlet end 314, and a central portion 316 located between the inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end 312 includes a fuel inlet port 318 and an electrolyte inlet port 320. The fuel inlet port 318 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 320 include threads and / or other connection structures which may be connected to a fuel inlet conduit 322 and an electrolyte inlet conduit 324, respectively. These conduits may be connected to a supply container and / or a tank and / or an upstream liquid membrane cell assembly. The outlet end 314 includes a fuel outlet port 326 and an electrolyte outlet port 328. The fuel outlet port 326 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 328 include threads and / or other connection structures that can be connected to a fuel conduit 330 and an electrolyte conduit 332, respectively. The fuel conduit 330 and the electrolyte conduit 332 are connected to the fuel inlet port 334 and the electrolyte inlet port 336 of the second liquid membrane cell assembly 304.

[0031] Similarly, the second liquid membrane cell assembly 304 includes a base 338, an anode 340, a cathode 342, and an end plate 344. The base includes an inlet end 346, an outlet end 348, and a central portion 350 positioned between the inlet end and the outlet end. The inlet end 346 includes a fuel inlet port 334 and an electrolyte inlet port 336. As described above, the fuel inlet port 334 and / or the electrolyte inlet port 336 include threads and / or other connection structures that can be connected to a fuel conduit 330 and an electrolyte conduit 332, respectively. The outlet end 348 includes a fuel outlet port 352 and an electrolyte outlet port 354. The fuel outlet port 352 and / or the electrolyte outlet port 354 include threads and / or other connection structures that can be connected to a fuel outlet conduit 356 and an electrolyte outlet conduit 358, respectively. The fuel outlet conduit 356 and the electrolyte outlet conduit 358 can be connected to a container and / or a tank and / or a downstream liquid membrane cell assembly.

[0032] The system 300 further includes one or more State of Charge (SoC) measurement assemblies 360, which may be located at any suitable location, such as the output of a first and / or second liquid membrane cell assembly. The fuel conduit 330 and / or electrolyte conduit 332 include an optical window and / or transparent window 362. The SoC measurement assembly 360 includes one or more wavelength-photon lamps 364 and one or more spectrophotometer cameras 366 (or other similar wavelength-differentiated photometer devices). The wavelength-photon lamp 364 may be located, for example, adjacent to one side of the optical window 362, and the spectrophotometer camera 366 may be located on the opposite side of the same optical window (and / or opposite the wavelength-photon lamp). In other words, the electrolyte or fuel conduit is located between the wavelength-photon lamp and the spectrophotometer camera. Although the SoC measurement assembly is shown to measure both the fuel conduit and the electrolyte conduit, in other examples only the fluid in the fuel or only the fluid in the electrolyte conduit may be measured. The SoC measurement assembly may be used, either additionally or alternatively, to measure the fluid contained in the mixed electrolyte conduit.

[0033] When elemental bromine (dark red / amber) and hydrogen bromide (clear) are used as fuel and electrolyte, respectively, a spectrophotometer camera can measure the opacity of the fluid at the most deterministic wavelength, allowing for the determination of the proportion of Br2 in the fluid, the SoC of the fuel line, and the purity of the electrolyte line. In other words, the concentration of Br2 is determined by transmission at the deterministic wavelength, as shown in Figure 19. The measurements can be used to actively control the liquid film cell assemblies. For example, if fuel needs to pass through three liquid film cell assemblies arranged in series to reduce to a expected SoC level, measurements before the second and / or third liquid film cell assemblies can provide sufficient information to determine whether those assemblies are necessary to reach the expected or desired SoC level.

[0034] Referring to Figure 20, the system 400 has a first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 and a second membrane cell assembly 404 with non-alternating cell stacking. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 includes a first bipolar plate 406 with a reaction gas storage 408 and an anode / cathode 410, a base 412 with an open or mixed region 414 for electrolyte and fuel, and a second bipolar plate 416 with a reaction gas storage 418 and an anode / cathode 420. The second liquid membrane cell assembly 404 includes a second bipolar plate 416 with a reaction gas storage 418 and an anode / cathode 420, a base 422 with an open or mixed region 424 for electrolyte and fuel, and a third bipolar plate 426 with a reaction gas storage 428 and an anode / cathode 430. As shown, the first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies are stacked such that the anode / cathode 410 functions as the cathode of the first liquid membrane cell assembly 402 and as the anode of the second liquid membrane cell assembly 404. In the configuration shown in Figure 20, the stack voltage increases while the overall stack current decreases (i.e., a high-voltage and low-current configuration), reducing the effects of resistive losses. The bipolar plates described above (e.g., carbon / graphite plates) can be machined to allow the reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) to be contained on the back of the gas diffusion surface, while providing structural support and a reaction surface for fuel reactions in adjacent cells.

[0035] Referring to Figure 21, a system 500 is shown having a first liquid membrane cell assembly 502 and a second membrane cell assembly 504 having alternating cell stacking configurations. The first and second liquid membrane cell assemblies may include one or more components and / or one or more structures of other liquid membrane cell assemblies of the present disclosure. The first liquid membrane cell assembly 502 includes a first bipolar plate 506 with anodes / cathodes 508, a base 510 with open or mixed regions 512 for electrolyte and fuel, and a second bipolar plate 514 with opposing anodes / cathodes 516 and a reaction gas reservoir 518 positioned between the anodes / cathodes. The second liquid membrane cell assembly 504 includes a second bipolar plate 514 having an anode / cathode 516 and a reaction gas reservoir 518, a base 520 having an open or mixed region 522 for electrolyte and fuel, and a third bipolar plate 524 having an anode / cathode 526.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the first and second liquid film cell assemblies are stacked such that the anode / cathode 516 functions as the anode of both the first liquid film cell assembly 502 and the second liquid film cell assembly 504. In the configuration shown in Figure 21, high current and low voltage are obtained, with the cells electrically in parallel. Also, in the configuration of Figure 21, the number of hydrogen gas reservoirs is reduced, but electrical connections to each level (i.e., parallel circuits) are required. The bipolar plates (e.g., carbon / graphite plates) described above can be machined to allow the reaction gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) to be contained on the back side of the gas diffusion surface, while providing structural support and a reaction surface for the fuel reaction in adjacent cells.

[0037] [Industrial applicability] This disclosure, including liquid membrane cell assemblies and components of such assemblies, is applicable to fuel processing, flow batteries, and other industries.

[0038] The above disclosures encompass several distinct inventions, each possessing independent utility. While each of these inventions is disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered restrictively, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Similarly, where a claim describes "one" or "first" element, or its equivalent, the claim should be understood to include the incorporation of one or more such elements, and does not require or exclude two or more such elements. Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics can be defined by presenting new claims in related applications. Such new claims, whether directed to a different invention or the same invention, or differing in scope from, broader, narrower, or equal to, the original claims, are considered to be included within the subject matter of the inventions of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 Liquid Membrane Cell Assemblies 102 Skeleton or Base 104 Anode or Anode Plate 106 Cathode or cathode plate 108 Sealing Gasket 110 End Plate 112 zippers 114, 214 Inlet end 116, 216 outlet end 118, 218 central part 120, 220 Entrance Main Unit 122, 222 Fuel Inlet Channels 124, 224 electrolyte inlet channels 126, 226 Fuel Inlet Ports 128, 228 electrolyte inlet ports 129, 229 screws 130 Electrolyte inlet conduit 132 Fuel inlet conduit 134, 152, 234 Flange section 136, 154, 180, 236, 254 Aperture 138, 238 outlet body 140, 240 Fuel Outlet Channels 241 Mixed electrolyte outlet channel 142, 242 electrolyte outlet channels 144, 244 Fuel outlet ports 245 Mixed Electrolyte Outlet Port 146, 246 Electrolyte Outlet Ports 148 Fuel outlet conduit 150 Electrolyte outlet conduit 156 Proximal bridge member 158 Distal bridge member 160 Inner wall 162 Exterior Wall 164 Open area 166 Mixed wing 167 Fluid flow 168 Central bridge member 170 Proximal wall 172 Distal wall 174 Aperture, cutouts, or cuts through 176 Cavity 182, 184 Wiring 186 Anode End Plate 188 Cathode End Plate 194 Reactant inlet conduit 196 Reactant outlet conduit 300, 400, 500 systems 302, 402, 502 First liquid membrane cell assembly 304, 404, 504 Second liquid membrane cell assembly 305, 338 base 306, 340 anodes 308, 342 Cathode 310, 344 End Plates 312, 346 Inlet end 314, 348 outlet end 316, 350 central part 318, 334 Fuel Inlet Ports 320, 336 Electrolyte Inlet Ports 322 Fuel inlet conduit 324 Electrolyte inlet conduit 326, 352 Fuel outlet ports 328, 354 Electrolyte exit ports 330 Fuel conduit 332 Electrolyte conduit 334 Fuel Inlet Port 336 Electrolyte Inlet Port 356 Fuel outlet conduit 358 Electrolyte outlet conduit 360° Charge State (SoC) Measurement Assembly 362 Optical windows 364-wavelength photon lamp 366 Spectrophotometer Camera 408 Reaction Gas Storage 406, 506 First bipolar plate 410, 420, 430, 508, 516 Anode / Cathode 412, 422, 510 base 416, 514 Second bipolar plate 414, 424, 522 Open region or mixed region 426, 524 Third bipolar plate 518 Reaction Gas Reservoir

Claims

1. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, A liquid membrane cell assembly wherein the central portion further includes a central bridge member connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the central bridge member being spaced apart from and positioned between the first bridge member and the second bridge member.

2. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, The second end is, A mixed electrolyte channel is disposed within the second elongated body between the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, and is separated from the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, and the open region is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel, the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second portion of the second fuel channel, The second elongated body contains a mixed electrolyte outlet port, which is fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte channel and separated from the fuel outlet port, and is a different mixed electrolyte outlet port. A liquid membrane cell assembly further includes.

3. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel are parallel to each other, and the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second fuel channel are parallel to each other.

4. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central bridge member is sized such that the central bridge member separates the open region and divides it into a first mixed region and a second mixed region.

5. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 4, wherein the central bridge member includes one or more cut-outs or apertures.

6. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central bridge member is sized such that the fluid on one side of the central bridge member can mix with the fluid on the opposite side of the central bridge member.

7. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central portion further includes at least one mixing vane attached to or formed together with the central bridge member.

8. The liquid film cell assembly according to claim 7, wherein each of the mixing blades has the shape of a triangular prism.

9. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, Each of the first bridge member and the second bridge member includes an opposing inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being adjacent to the open area, and the outer wall being spaced apart from the inner wall from the open area. The liquid membrane cell assembly further includes one or more mixing vanes attached to or formed on the inner wall of at least one of the first bridge member and the second bridge member, the central portion of the assembly.

10. The liquid film cell assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of the mixing blades has the shape of a triangular prism rotated about its longitudinal axis.

11. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 9, wherein the mixing blade is parallel to the first electrolyte channel or the first fuel channel.

12. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, A liquid membrane cell assembly in which the first bridge member and the second bridge member are parallel to each other.

13. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, A liquid membrane cell assembly in which the first bridge member and the second bridge member converge at the second elongated body relative to the first elongated body.

14. An elongated base having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region having an elongated base that fluidly connects the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The anodes adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, and A cathode adjacent to the first bridge member and the second bridge member in the central portion, wherein the elongated base is positioned between the anode and the cathode, and the anode and the cathode define the open region between them in a vertical direction. It includes, A liquid membrane cell assembly in which at least one of the anode or cathode includes a cavity, and the open region is partially defined by the cavity.

15. A first end plate adjacent to the anode, wherein the anode is positioned between the first end plate and the elongated base, A second end plate adjacent to the cathode, wherein the cathode is positioned between the second end plate and the elongated base, Multiple fasteners for securing the first end plate and the second end plate to each other, The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

16. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first end plate includes at least one reactant port fluidically connected to the anode.

17. The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fuel outlet conduit connected to the fuel outlet port, wherein the fuel outlet conduit includes one or more transparent portions for visual inspection of the fluid inside the fuel outlet conduit.

18. A wavelength photon lamp positioned adjacent to the transparent portion of one or more of the transparent portions, The fuel outlet conduit is positioned between the wavelength photon lamp and the spectrophotometer camera, with the spectrophotometer camera positioned on the opposite side of the wavelength photon lamp, The liquid membrane cell assembly according to claim 17, further comprising:

19. A liquid membrane cell system comprising two liquid membrane cell assemblies as described in claim 1, wherein the cathode of one liquid membrane cell assembly is the anode of the other liquid membrane cell assembly.

20. A liquid membrane cell system comprising two liquid membrane cell assemblies as described in claim 1, wherein the anode of one liquid membrane cell assembly is the anode of the other liquid membrane cell assembly.

21. A base of a liquid film cell assembly having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The central portion further includes a central bridge member connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the central bridge member being spaced apart from and positioned between the first bridge member and the second bridge member, forming the base of the liquid membrane cell assembly.

22. A base for a liquid film cell assembly, comprising opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The second end is, A mixed electrolyte channel is disposed within the second elongated body between the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, and is separated from the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, and the open region is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel, the second electrolyte channel, the mixed electrolyte channel, and the second portion of the second fuel channel, The second elongated body contains a mixed electrolyte outlet port, which is fluidly connected to the mixed electrolyte channel and separated from the fuel outlet port, and is a different mixed electrolyte outlet port. The base of the liquid membrane cell assembly further includes

23. A base for a liquid film cell assembly having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, Each of the first bridge member and the second bridge member includes an opposing inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being adjacent to the open area, and the outer wall being spaced apart from the inner wall from the open area. The central portion further includes one or more mixing vanes attached to or formed on the inner wall of at least one of the first bridge member and the second bridge member, as the base of a liquid membrane cell assembly.

24. A base for a liquid film cell assembly, comprising opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The base of a liquid membrane cell assembly, wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member are parallel to each other.

25. A base for a liquid film cell assembly having opposing first and second ends, and a central portion positioned between the first and second ends, The first end includes a first elongated body, a first electrolyte channel within the first elongated body, an electrolyte inlet port within the first elongated body which is fluidly connected to the first electrolyte channel, a first fuel channel within the first elongated body which is separated from the first electrolyte channel and is a different first fuel channel, and a fuel inlet port located within the first elongated body and adjacent to the electrolyte inlet port which is fluidly connected to the first fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte inlet port and is a different fuel inlet port, The second end includes a second elongated body, a second electrolyte channel within the second elongated body, an electrolyte outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second electrolyte channel, a second fuel channel within the second elongated body which is separated from the second electrolyte channel and is a different fuel channel, and a fuel outlet port within the second elongated body which is fluidly connected to the second fuel channel and is separated from the electrolyte outlet port and is a different fuel outlet port. The central portion includes a first bridge member and a second bridge member facing each other with a gap between them connecting the first elongated body and the second elongated body, the first elongated body and the second elongated body and the first bridge member and the second bridge member collectively horizontally define an open region between them, the open region fluidly connecting the first electrolyte channel and the first fuel channel to the second electrolyte channel and the second fuel channel, The base of a liquid membrane cell assembly, wherein the first bridge member and the second bridge member converge at the second elongated body relative to the first elongated body.

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