초록 ▼

A device for equalizing the molten electrolyte content throughout the height of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The device includes a passageway for electrolyte return with electrolyte wettable wicking material in the opposite end portions of the passageway. One end portion is disposed near the uppe

A device for equalizing the molten electrolyte content throughout the height of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. The device includes a passageway for electrolyte return with electrolyte wettable wicking material in the opposite end portions of the passageway. One end portion is disposed near the upper, negative end of the stack where electrolyte flooding occurs. The second end portion is placed near the lower, positive end of the stack where electrolyte is depleted. Heating means are provided at the upper portion of the passageway to increase electrolyte vapor pressure in the upper wicking material. The vapor is condensed in the lower passageway portion and conducted as molten electrolyte in the lower wick to the positive end face of the stack. An inlet is provided to inject a modifying gas into the passageway and thereby control the rate of electrolyte return.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for equalizing the molten carbonate electrolyte content along the height of a fuel cell stack, with a voltage gradient of negative and positive polarity, said stack having a manifold for reactant gas communicating with a stack face and a porous sealing member in sealing relationship between

A device for equalizing the molten carbonate electrolyte content along the height of a fuel cell stack, with a voltage gradient of negative and positive polarity, said stack having a manifold for reactant gas communicating with a stack face and a porous sealing member in sealing relationship between edges of the manifold and the stack face, said device comprising: a passageway for electrolyte flow having a first end portion adjacent to the negative end and a second end portion adjacent to the positive end of the stack height; a first porous ceramic wick, wettable by molten carbonate electrolyte, extending from the porous sealing member into the first end portion of said passageway adjacent to the negative end of the stack; a second porous ceramic wick, wettable by electrolyte extending from the porous sealing member into the second end portion of said passageway adjacent to the positive end of the stack; and means for vaporizing molten carbonate electrolyte in the first end portion of the passageway, and means for condensing the carbonate electrolyte vapor in the second end portion of said passageway to return molten carbonate to the positive end of the cell stack.