Device for equalizing molten electrolyte content in a fuel cell stack

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:866148

Smith, James L ^[1]

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1. Lemont, IL

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 Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4643954
• OSTI ID: 866148
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

device
equalizing
molten
electrolyte
content
fuel
cell
stack
throughout
height
disclosed
passageway
return
wettable
wicking
material
opposite
portions
portion
disposed
near
upper
negative
flooding
occurs
placed
positive
depleted
heating
means
provided
increase
vapor
pressure
condensed
conducted
wick
inlet
inject
modifying
gas
control
rate
fuel cell
heating means
molten electrolyte
cell stack
vapor pressure
upper portion
placed near
electrolyte vapor
electrolyte content
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