Innovative Carbonate Fuel Cell Design to Reduce Carbonate Vaporization Loss

40559 November 12, 1996 Energy Research Corporation Fuel cell carbonate inventory is an important factor that controls the useful life of the first generation product. Loss of electrolyte through evaporation appears to impact the useful life of the carbonate fuel cell. Fuel cell life may be extended by about additional five years if the electrolyte vaporization loss is fully suppressed. The goal of the proposed research is to significantly reduce electrolyte vaporization loss (¿ 50%) by internally recovering the electrolyte vapor out of the gas streams and returning it back into the cells active components. The feasibility of electrolyte recovery from vapor and returning it to the cell will be evaluated in Phase I by out-of-cell and single cell tests. The design will be optimized and evaluated in the full area stacks in Phase II. Full-size stack demonstration and commercial implementation is also expected to occur in Phase II. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Successful completion of this project should extend the useful operating life of the carbonate fuel cell significantly beyond the current commercial entry life of five years. Success of the proposed research will lead to rapid commercialization of carbonate fuel cell technology.