Electrolyte matrix in a molten carbonate fuel cell stack
- Glastonbury, CT
A fuel cell stack is disclosed with modified electrolyte matrices for limiting the electrolytic pumping and electrolyte migration along the stack external surfaces. Each of the matrices includes marginal portions at the stack face of substantially greater pore size than that of the central body of the matrix. Consequently, these marginal portions have insufficient electrolyte fill to support pumping or wicking of electrolyte from the center of the stack of the face surfaces in contact with the vertical seals. Various configurations of the marginal portions include a complete perimeter, opposite edge portions corresponding to the air plenums and tab size portions corresponding to the manifold seal locations. These margins will substantially limit the migration of electrolyte to and along the porous manifold seals during operation of the electrochemical cell stack.
- Research Organization:
- International Fuel Cells Corp
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC01-79ET15440
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4659635
- Application Number:
- 06/867,123
- OSTI ID:
- 866225
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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