Electrolyte matrix in a molten carbonate fuel cell stack
- Glastonbury, CT
A fuel cell stack is disclosed with modified electrolyte matrices for limiting the electrolytic pumping and electrolyte migration along the stack external surfaces. Each of the matrices includes marginal portions at the stack face of substantially greater pore size than that of the central body of the matrix. Consequently, these marginal portions have insufficient electrolyte fill to support pumping or wicking of electrolyte from the center of the stack of the face surfaces in contact with the vertical seals. Various configurations of the marginal portions include a complete perimeter, opposite edge portions corresponding to the air plenums and tab size portions corresponding to the manifold seal locations. These margins will substantially limit the migration of electrolyte to and along the porous manifold seals during operation of the electrochemical cell stack.
- Research Organization:
- International Fuel Cells Corp
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC01-79ET15440
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4659635
- Application Number:
- 06/867,123
- OSTI ID:
- 866225
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
matrix
molten
carbonate
fuel
cell
stack
disclosed
modified
matrices
limiting
electrolytic
pumping
migration
external
surfaces
marginal
portions
substantially
pore
size
central
consequently
insufficient
fill
support
wicking
center
contact
vertical
seals
various
configurations
complete
perimeter
opposite
edge
corresponding
air
plenums
tab
manifold
seal
locations
margins
limit
porous
operation
electrochemical
manifold seal
edge portions
fuel cell
external surface
cell stack
electrochemical cell
pore size
carbonate fuel
molten carbonate
edge portion
electrolyte matrix
opposite edge
electrolyte fill
electrolyte migration
external surfaces
seal location
electrolyte matrices
various configuration
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