| 摘要 |
1312103 Fuel cells COMPAGNIE GENERALE d'ELECTRICITE 24 Sept 1970 [29 Sept 1969] 45663/70 Heading H1B A fuel cell operating with an alkaline electrolyte, e.g. KOH, and a hydrocarbon fuel, e.g. methanol, and using air to assist combustion, is constructed so that the electrolyte is decarbonated during its passage through the cell by causing carbon dioxide to be evolved and removed in gaseous form. The carbon dioxide is evolved by reducing the pH value of the electrolyte in a central compartment 13 of the cell to a value of about 8, the pH value of the electrolyte in the compartments 12, 14 adjacent the cathode 1 and anode 2 remaining substantially constant. The compartments 12, 13, 14 are formed by cathode 1, anode 2, cationic membrane 3 and anionic membrane 4. The KOH electrolyte from cathode compartment 12 is supplied through a mixer 7 together with methanol from a duct 5, to the anode compartment 14. A pipe 9 supplies partially carbonated electrolyte from the compartment 14 to the central compartment 13. During its passage to the top of the compartment 13 the KOH decreases in strength due to the migration of K and OH ions to the cathode and anode respectively causing a continuous reduction in the pH value until a value of about 8 is reached when CO 2 is evolved and removed through pipe 10. A pipe 11 transfers water from the top of compartment 13 to the compartment 12 and a pipe 15 may circulate electrolyte through the latter compartment. |
