Device and process to increase a fuel cell efficiency, especially a methanol or ethanol direct cell measures fuel concentration in electrolyte and uses this to control operation

摘要

A process to increase fuel cell (1) efficiency, especially for methanol or ethanol direct cells, in cells operating with a fluid or gaseous fuel and oxidant, measures (4) the fuel concentration in the fluid electrolyte (5) and, depending on this concentration, at least one cell operational parameter is regulated (12,13). Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a device using the process above:and (b) a fuel cell, preferably a direct cell using methanol or ethanol