Improved FCG-1 cell technology. Final report

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6929130· OSTI ID:6929130

Breault, R. D.; Congdon, J. V.; Coykendall, R. D.; Luoma, W. L.

The purpose of this effort was to demonstrate fuel cell performance in the ribbed-substrate cell configuration consistent with that projected for a commercial power plant. Tests were conducted on subscale cells and on two 20-cell stacks of 4.8-MW demonstrator-size cell components. The first task was to conduct a component development effort to introduce improvements in 3.7-ft/sup 2/, ribbed-substrate acid-cell repeating parts which represented advances in performance, function, life, and lower cost for application in higher pressure and temperature power plants. Specific areas of change were the electrode substrate, catalyst, matrix, seals, separator plates, and coolers. In most cases, advances were developed and translated into full-size repeating parts for tests in 3.7-ft/sup 2/, 20-cell stacks. Significant accomplishments were the successful 2800-hour demonstration of a subscale cell with a GSB-11 catalyst operating at the higher pressure (120 psia) and temperature (400/sup 0/F) conditions; an increase in matrix bubble pressure from 7 to 20 psi in component tests; successful incorporation of the improved, densified-edge seal; and the increase in separator-plate manufacturing yield from 20 to 95%. The objective of the second task was to evaluate full-size, ribbed-substrate stack components incorporating more stable materials at increased pressure (93 psia) and temperature (405/sup 0/F) conditions. Two 20-cell stacks with a 3.7-ft/sup 2/, ribbed-substrate cell configuration were tested. Results are presented and discussed. (WHK)

• Research Organization: United Technologies Corp., South Windsor, CT (USA). Power Systems Div.
• OSTI ID: 6929130
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EM-1566
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300502* -- Fuel Cells-- Performance & Testing
300503 -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ACID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
BATTERY SEPARATORS
CATALYSTS
COATINGS
COOLING SYSTEMS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
FUEL CELLS
MATERIALS
MATRIX MATERIALS
MODIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SCALE MODELS
SEALS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
SUBSTRATES
TESTING