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Title: Fuel cell system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:864102

A fuel cell system is comprised of a fuel cell module including sub-stacks of series-connected fuel cells, the sub-stacks being held together in a stacked arrangement with cold plates of a cooling means located between the sub-stacks to function as electrical terminals. The anode and cathode terminals of the sub-stacks are connected in parallel by means of the coolant manifolds which electrically connect selected cold plates. The system may comprise a plurality of the fuel cell modules connected in series. The sub-stacks are designed to provide a voltage output equivalent to the desired voltage demand of a low voltage, high current DC load such as an electrolytic cell to be driven by the fuel cell system. This arrangement in conjunction with switching means can be used to drive a DC electrical load with a total voltage output selected to match that of the load being driven. This arrangement eliminates the need for expensive voltage regulation equipment.

Research Organization:
Engelhard Minerals and Chemicals Corp., Edison, NJ (United States). Research and Development Dept.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF01240
Assignee:
Engelhard Minerals & Chemicals Corp. (Iselin, NJ)
Patent Number(s):
4,310,605
Application Number:
06/189466
OSTI ID:
864102
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1980 Sep 22
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English