OPERATION OF ALKALINE-MATRIX-TYPE HYDROGEN-OXYGEN FUEL CELL

摘要

PURPOSE:To enable the produced water to be removed without causing any surplus or deficiency by controlling the flow rate and dew point of hydrogen supplied to an alkaline-matrix-type hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. CONSTITUTION:Oxygen gas is supplied in an amount equal to its consumption. Hydrogen gas at a controlled temperature is supplied to a hydrogen gas chamber 11. A part of the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen gas chamber 11 is supplied to a negative electrode 2 through the holes 6 of a water absorption plate 4. Water produced at the interface between the negative electrode 2 and electrolyte is once absorbed by the absorption plate 4 before being discharged outside the system. The partial pressure of steam in the battery when the atmosphere becomes saturated is supposed to be Pw.H2Omm.Ho. The gas dew point for the saturated steam pressure of electrolyte is supposed to be Ts deg.C. Gas pressure for the operation of the fuel cell is supposed to be Pmm.Ho. The theoretical consumption of hydrogen is supposed to be Ghmol/min and the amount of hydrogen supplied is supposed to be Nhmol/min. The pressure of steam contained in the hydrogen and its dew point are supposed to be Pwmm.Ho and Td deg.C respectively. These variables are controlled according to formulae I and II. By the means mentioned above, it is possible to remove the produced water without causing any surplus or deficiency.