Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – With pressure equalizing means for liquid immersion operation
Reexamination Certificate
2005-03-22
2005-03-22
Maples, John S. (Department: 1745)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
With pressure equalizing means for liquid immersion operation
C429S006000, C429S006000, C429S010000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06869709
ABSTRACT:
A method for operating a fuel cell power plant. The fuel cell can include a reactant passage (22) with an upstream portion and a downstream portion for providing reactant to an electrode (16, 18), at least one liquid passage (24), and a plate (20) made from a porous material that is liquid permeable and conductive. The porous material separates the reactant passage and the liquid passage. A pressure profile is controlled to provide a positive pressure difference in the upstream portion and a negative pressure difference in the downstream portion. A positive pressure difference is one where the liquid pressure is higher than that of the reactant. A negative pressure difference is one where the liquid pressure is less than that of the reactant. The pressure profile can be used to provide enhanced humidification of the reactant in the upstream portion and effective liquid water removal in the downstream portion to maximize both the performance and the life of the fuel cell.
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Ogami Yasuji
Perry Michael L.
Shimotori Soichiro
Crenshaw, Jr. Henry T.
Maples John S.
UTC Fuel Cells LLC
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