초록 ▼

A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant is disclosed that includes at least one fuel cell for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, wherein the fuel cell includes an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst. An anode flow field is de

A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant is disclosed that includes at least one fuel cell for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, wherein the fuel cell includes an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst. An anode flow field is defined adjacent the anode catalyst and extends between a reducing fluid inlet and a reducing fluid outlet. A cathode flow field is defined adjacent the cathode catalyst and extends between an oxidant inlet and an oxidant outlet. A reaction zone is defined within the anode and cathode flow fields co-extensive with the anode and cathode catalysts, and a condensation zone is defined extending from the oxidant outlet into the anode and cathode flow fields. A primary coolant loop directs a circulating primary coolant stream through the reaction zone of the fuel cell, and into a primary heat exchanger to remove heat from the reaction zone, and a secondary coolant loop directs a circulating secondary coolant stream through the condensation zone of the fuel cell, and into a secondary heat exchanger to remove heat from the condensation zone, and thereby condense water vapor in the oxidant stream and reducing fluid passing through the condensation zone. An air conditioning unit directs a refrigerant to the secondary heat exchanger to cool the circulating secondary coolant stream.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant, comprising:a. at least one fuel cell having an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, an anode flow field defined adja

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant, comprising:a. at least one fuel cell having an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, an anode flow field defined adjacent the anode catalyst and extending between a reducing fluid inlet and a reducing fluid outlet for directing the reducing fluid to pass by the anode catalyst, a cathode flow field defined adjacent the cathode catalyst and extending between an oxidant inlet and an oxidant outlet for directing the oxidant stream to pass by the cathode catalyst, a reaction zone defined within the anode and cathode flow fields and co-extensive with the anode and cathode catalysts, a condensation zone defined as extending from the oxidant outlet into the cathode and anode flow fields a distance adequate to effect condensation of water vapor within the oxidant stream and reducing fluid passing through the condensation zone;b. a circulating primary liquid coolant stream pumped through the reaction zone by a primary pump so that the circulating primary liquid coolant stream removes heat from the reaction zone;c. a circulating secondary liquid coolant stream pumped through the condensation zone by a secondary pump so that the circulating secondary liquid coolant stream removes heat from the condensation zone; andd. an air conditioning means for providing a refrigerant to a secondary heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the circulating secondary liquid coolant stream to cool the secondary coolant stream.