Electrolyte circulation in fuel cells stacks with reduced leakage current
US10006461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell stack (10) comprises a plurality of fuel cells each with a chamber (K) for electrolyte with at least one inlet (114) and at least one outlet (116), and an inlet header (45) to supply electrolyte to all the cells in parallel. Each cell comprises a first plate (12) to define the electrolyte chamber (K), a second plate (13) to define an oxidizing gas chamber (0) and a third plate (14) to define a fuel gas chamber (H), each of these plates (12-14) also defining a side chamber (36) adjacent to but sealed from the corresponding chambers (K, 0, H), so the side chambers (36) defines an electrolyte outlet channel. An electrolyte flow channel (15) is also defined above the top portion of and in communication with the electrolyte chamber (K), so electrolyte is supplied from electrolyte supply (45) through openings (56) into the electrolyte chamber (K), flows upwards towards the top of the electrolyte chamber (K), exits said electrolyte chamber (K) via grooves (60), flows along the flow channel (15), breaks up into droplets at lip (68) and falls into the side chamber (36) prior to being expelled via electrolyte outlet (116). This arrangement reduces leakage currents.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.