Device for equalizing molten electrolyte content in a fuel cell stack

Patent · Mon Dec 23 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6738356

Smith, J L

A device for equalizing the molten electrolyte content throughout the height of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The device includes a passageway for electrolyte return with electrolyte wettable wicking material in the opposite end portions of the passageway. One end portion is disposed near the upper, negative end of the stack where electrolyte flooding occurs. The second end portion is placed near the lower, positive end of the stack where electrolyte is depleted. Heating means are provided at the upper portion of the passageway to increase electrolyte vapor pressure in the upper wicking material. The vapor is condensed in the lower passageway portion and conducted as molten electrolyte in the lower wick to the positive end face of the stack. An inlet is provided to inject a modifying gas into the passageway and thereby control the rate of electrolyte return.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE87007286
• OSTI ID: 6738356
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
FUEL CELLS
HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELLS
LEVELS
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
MOLTEN CARBONATE FUEL CELLS
MOLTEN SALTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POROUS MATERIALS
SALTS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
VAPOR PRESSURE