Device for equalizing molten electrolyte content in a fuel cell stack

Patent · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 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
• 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

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