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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

System and method for networking electrochemical devices

Patent ·
OSTI ID:869875

An improved electrochemically active system and method including a plurality of electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and fluid separation devices, in which the anode and cathode process-fluid flow chambers are connected in fluid-flow arrangements so that the operating parameters of each of said plurality of electrochemical devices which are dependent upon process-fluid parameters may be individually controlled to provide improved operating efficiency. The improvements in operation include improved power efficiency and improved fuel utilization in fuel cell power generating systems and reduced power consumption in fluid separation devices and the like through interstage process fluid parameter control for series networked electrochemical devices. The improved networking method includes recycling of various process flows to enhance the overall control scheme.

Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 5413878
OSTI ID:
869875
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English