Abstract:
A fuel cell electrode subassembly for a multicell power package having at least a pair of thin, porous, elongated electrodes, e.g. cathodes, which are operatively spaced to receive an anode carrying a molded matrix and are connected in series to a third thin, porous electrode, e.g. an anode, which is aligned with the space between the first two electrodes hermetically sealed with an electrically conductive material. Each subassembly can be interfitted with other subassemblies to yield several series connected fuel cell arrays.
Abstract:
A heat resistant porous fuel cell matrix for holding liquid electrolyte in fuel cells which can be subjected to extreme temperature conditions without cracking and permanently deforming is made from a ceramic metal oxide such as magnesia, a binder such as an alkali metal phosphate, and a liquid phase sintering agent for the metal oxides such as lithium fluoride. To form the matrix, the matrix molding composition is formed containing a thoroughly mixed composition of a major portion of the ceramic metal oxide, and minor portions of the binder and liquid phase sintering agent. The composition is molded into suitable matrix form, and the binding agent is activated such as by heating to form a porous green matrix which has structural integrity at room temperature. The porous green matrix is then heated to a temperature above the melting point of the liquid phase sintering agent to cause substantial sintering between the metallic oxide particles and yield a thermal resistant porous fuel cell matrix.
Abstract:
AN ARTICLE COMPOSED OF A METAL OXIDE HAVING A COMPOSITION OF TOW OR MORE OXIDES THE CONCENTRATION OF WHICH CAN PREFERENTIALLY OR SELECTIVELY BE VARIED THROUGHOUT ITS THICKNESS. THE METHOD FOR MAKING THE ARTICLE INCLUDES VAPOR PAHSE HYDROLYSIS OF A METAL HLAIDE DEPOSITION OF THE RESULTANT METAL OXIDE ONTO A DEPOSITION SURFACE. IN AN EXEMPLARY MODE SILICON DIOXIDE IS DEPOSITED ON A DEPOSITION MANDREL UNTIL A PREDETERMINED THICKNESS IS LAID DOWN. THEREAFTER A MIXTURE OF SILICON DIOXIDE AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE ARE DEPOSITED ON THE PREVIOUSLY BUILT-UP SILICON DIOXIDE LAYER. THE METAL OXIDE ARTICLE THUS FORMED IS A POROUS,AMORPHOUS STRUCTURE. FOR MOST USES THIS STRUCTURE IS THEN SINTERED TO FORM A FUSED METAL OXIDE STRUCTURE. THIS METHOD OF FORMING AN ARTICLE ALLOWS PREFERENTIAL VARIANCE OF THE THERMAL EXPANSION OF A FUSED SILICA CRUCIBLE OR TUBE THROUGHOUT ITS WALL THICKNESS.
Abstract:
An electrolyte control system for a fuel cell which has an anode and a cathode spaced by an electrolyte carrying matrix wherein porous capillary conduits communicate from an electrolyte reservoir to points uniformly along the matrix. For example, the porous capillary conduits can be positioned uniformly along the matrix adjacent the cathode and thereby supply electrolyte directly to the cathode, and to the anode and matrix at whatever rate the matrix will absorb the electrolyte.