Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems

Lockhead Martin Tactical Defense Systems, Inc.

Lockheed Marin Tactical Defense Systems, Inc.

Dane W Gregg

Dennis L Carter

James T Frater

Alan F Lindsay

An apparatus for testing the electrochemical performance of discrete areas of a cathode that is to be used in a fuel cell is presented. The apparatus tests a cathode which is retained and carried by a holding fixture wherein a chamber is formed between an underside of the cathode and the holding fixture to allow for passage of an oxidizing agent therethrough and wherein the holding fixture also provides for retention of electrolyte on the top side of the cathode. A probe, which is connected to the cathode, has an anode material that contacts the electrolyte but is spaced apart from the cathode. Placement of the anode in the electrolyte generates electrical power detected by a measuring device connected between the probe and the cathode. The probe provides a sealing surface to allow for testing of just discrete areas of the cathode to determine if there are any flaws in the manufacture of the cathode.

Fuel cell cathode testing device and method for using the same

The present invention provides a secured anode seal for a fuel cell which includes at least one housing having a base securable to a top frame wherein the frame has a notch and a recess edge facing the base and a cathode secured between the base and the top frame. A boot is secured between the base and the top frame and received in the notch and recessed edge, wherein an electrolyte chamber is formed between the boot and the cathode and a coolant chamber is formed between the boot and the top frame wherein the boot has a plurality of holes therethrough. The invention also includes an anode which has a plurality of integral posts extending through the plurality of holes of the boot wherein each of the plurality of posts has a head for securing the boot to the anode for precluding migration of material between the electrolyte chamber and the coolant chamber. Also provided in the present invention is a backing plate having a plurality of holes therethrough and a ridge extending downwardly therefrom wherein the backing plate holes fit over the plurality of posts and are underneath the head and wherein the ridge contacts the boot to provide a compressive seal therebetween. A collector strap may also be secured between the backing plate and the heads formed by the plurality of posts. In a moving anode configuration, a spring is disposed between the backing plate and the housing to maintain a predetermined distance between the anode and cathode so as to generate a constant supply of electrical power.

Secured anode seal for a fuel cell

A pressure equalized fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack for receiving an oxidizing agent, a coolant accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack, an electrolyte accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack and a device for equalizing the pressurized flow of coolant and electrolyte from the respective accumulators into the fuel cell stack depending upon the pressure exhibited by the oxidizing agent. The equalized pressure flow is obtained by an accumulator having a rigid housing for receiving an oxidizing agent and a flexible housing received within the rigid housing for receiving respective amounts of coolant and electrolyte wherein the flexible housing is coupled to the fuel cell such that any change in pressure within the rigid housing causes a corresponding change in pressure in the flexible housing. This construction allows for equalized amounts of oxidizing agent, coolant and electrolyte to be received by the fuel cell stack, thus maximizing the chemical reaction within the fuel cell to generate electricity and maintain long-life of the fuel cell.

Growing community of inventors

Hartville, OH, United States of America

Dane W Gregg