Abstract:
An electrode fluid distributor (200) includes a fluid passageway (204) having a plurality of segment pairs each including an inlet (232) segment in fluid communication with an and an outlet segment (234)in fluid communication with an outlet. The fluid passageway (204) may have a length greater than the longest dimension of the distributor. Further, a plurality of fluid passageways (204) may be provided, wherein at least one of the fluid passageways (204) includes at least one turn. A baffle (242) is disposed between adjacent inlet (232) segments and outlet segments (234) of the fluid passageway (204). Each inlet (232) segment is in fluid communication with adjacent inlet (232) segments and adjacent outlet segments, and each outlet segment (234) is in fluid communication with adjacent outlet segments.
Abstract:
A method for improving the efficiency of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer and close-coupled fuel cell system by recycling a percentage of the anode exhaust syngas directly into the reformer in a range between about 20% and about 60%. Oxygen is supplied to the reformer (12) at start-up. Under equilibrium conditions, oxygen required for reforming of hydrocarbon fuel is derived entirely from endothermic reforming of water and carbon dioxide in the recycled syngas. Recycling of anode syngas into the reformer increases fuel efficiency, adds excess water to the reformate to increase protection against anode coking, and protects the fuel cell stack (16) against air- and water-borne contaminants. A method for producing an excess amount of syngas for exporting for other purposes is also provided.
Abstract:
A fuel cell (10,12,55,65,70,70',70") having a non-uniform electrical resistivity over the flow area of the cell. Resistance is higher in areas of the cell having locally low levels of hydrogen than in areas having locally high levels of hydrogen. Excess oxygen ion migration and buildup is suppressed in regions having low hydrogen concentration and is correspondingly increased in regions having a surfeit of hydrogen. Destructive oxidation of the anode is suppressed and a greater percentage of the hydrogen passed into the cell is consumed, thereby increasing electric output.
Abstract:
A method of preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) is disclosed comprising applying a negative current to an anode (30) of said fuel cell (10), such that the anode (30) is disposed in ionic communication with a cathode (50) through an electrolyte (40). Oxygen is transferred from the anode (30) through the electrolyte (40) to the cathode (50). A method preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) by storing and using a reformate and doping an anode (30) are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) is disclosed comprising applying a negative current to an anode (30) of said fuel cell (10), such that the anode (30) is disposed in ionic communication with a cathode (50) through an electrolyte (40). Oxygen is transferred from the anode (30) through the electrolyte (40) to the cathode (50). A method preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) by storing and using a reformate and doping an anode (30) are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises an electrochemical cell having an electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with a first electrode and a second electrode. The solid oxide fuel cell stack also comprises at least one interconnect (102,104,106,108) disposed in fluid and thermal communication with at least a portion of the electrochemical cell, the interconnect comprising an electrical supply connector (130). Said interconnect can be heated by ohmic losses of a current which is guided through said interconnect from said electrical supply connector. The thickness and the resistance of said interconnect is between 0.03-1 mm and 1.2-3 ohms, respectively.
Abstract:
A precision fuel rail assembly (110,210) for direct fuel injection comprising a plurality of formed parts first assembled and positioned loosely on a precision fixture (160), then joined (e.g. tack welded), by applying a BFM on all joints forming a "green" assembly and firing in a brazing oven, to produce a precision assembly formed from stainless steel parts. A bracket (118,218) defining a sole plate (120,220) for the assembly may be formed as a continuous element or a plurality of individual fuel rail brackets. Flanged sockets (126,226) are attached to the bracket at locations corresponding to the fuel injector locations on an engine bank. Bolt holes (150,250) are provided along the centerline (148) of the sockets (126,226) and fuel injectors (114). The bracket (118,218) supports a fuel distribution tube(136,236) via saddle elements (134,234) disposed between the bracket and the tube. A jump tube (146,246) supplies fuel from the distribution tube (136,236) to each socket (126,226).