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Integrated fuel cell power generation system

  • US 5,200,278 A
  • Filed: 03/15/1991
  • Issued: 04/06/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An electrical power generation system comprising:

  • a fuel cell stack comprising a humidification section and an electrochemically active section, said humidification section comprising at least one fuel humidification assembly comprising a fuel humidification water stream, an inlet hydrogen containing fuel stream and a water vapor transport membrane interposed therebetween for transporting water vapor from said fuel humidification water stream to said inlet fuel stream to produce a humidified fuel stream, said humidification section further comprising at least one oxidant humidification assembly comprising an oxidant humidification water stream, an inlet oxygen containing oxidant stream and a water vapor transport membrane interposed therebetween for transporting water vapor from said oxidant humidification water stream to said inlet oxidant stream to produce a humidified oxidant stream, said electrochemically active section comprising at least one fuel cell comprising;

    an anode having a catalyst associated therewith for producing cations from said humidified fuel stream,a cathode having a catalyst associated therewith for producing anions from said humidified oxidant stream, said anions reacting with said cations to form water at said cathode,an ion exchange membrane interposed between said anode and said cathode, said membrane facilitating the migration of cations from said anode to said cathode and isolating said humidified fuel stream from said humidified oxidant stream, andan electrical path for conducting the electrons formed at said anode to said cathode,said electrochemically active section further comprising at least one inlet coolant water stream for absorbing heat generated within said electrochemically active section to produce an outlet coolant water stream;

    a heat exchanger for removing heat from said outlet coolant water stream to produce a chilled coolant water stream;

    a water separator for removing water from said humidified oxidant stream to produce a dehumidified oxidant stream and a removed water stream;

    a coolant reservoir for receiving said removed water stream from said water separator and for receiving said chilled coolant water stream from said heat exchanger;

    wherein said inlet coolant water stream is drawn from said coolant reservoir.

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