Solid polymer fuel cell system

Patent · Tue Nov 12 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5758587

Meyer, A P

This patent describes a method of improving the current density of a solid polymer fuel cell systems, the system having at least two solid polymer fuel cells connected electrically through a load. Each cell comprises a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte disposed therebetween, a cathode chamber, and an anode chamber means for delivering and regulating fuel to the anode chamber, and means for delivering and regulating fuel to the anode chamber, and means for delivering and regulating oxidant to the cathode chamber, at least one hydrophilic porous element for transferring water from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber, and at least one hydrophilic porous element for removing water from the anode chamber, wherein the improvement comprises: removing heat from the system with at least one heat pipe, wherein the heat pipe maintains as low a temperature gradient across the cell as is practical; whereby the combination of the heat pipe and the porous element prevents excess heat from building up and the anode from drying out, respectively, and wherein the initial porous element prevents accumulation of water at the cathode and wets the anode.

• Assignee: International Fuel Cells Corp., South Windsor, CT (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 5064732
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-477792
• OSTI ID: 5758587
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300502* -- Fuel Cells-- Performance & Testing
300505 -- Fuel Cells-- Electrochemistry
Mass Transfer & Thermodynamics
AFTER-HEAT REMOVAL
CURRENT DENSITY
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
FUEL CELLS
HEAT PIPES
POLYMERS
REMOVAL
SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS