Solid oxide fuel cell stack
US5486428A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/129
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. The passages in the first distribution member contain a catalyst for steam reforming the fuel. The catalyst is in intimate thermal contact with the fuel cells. Additionally a low temperature adiabatic preformer supplied with hydrocarbon fuel prereforms the fuel and supplies it to the passages.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.