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Purge gas protected transportable pressurized fuel cell modules and their operation in a power plant

Patent ·
OSTI ID:403657

A fuel cell generator apparatus and method of its operation involves: passing pressurized oxidant gas and pressurized fuel gas into modules containing fuel cells, where the modules are each enclosed by a module housing surrounded by an axially elongated pressure vessel, and where there is a purge gas volume between the module housing and pressure vessel; passing pressurized purge gas through the purge gas volume to dilute any unreacted fuel gas from the modules; and passing exhaust gas and circulated purge gas and any unreacted fuel gas out of the pressure vessel; where the fuel cell generator apparatus is transportable when the pressure vessel is horizontally disposed, providing a low center of gravity. 11 figs.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
DOE Contract Number:
FC21-91MC28055
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,573,867/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-594,214
OSTI ID:
403657
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English