Energy Research Corporation

Dilip J Dharia

Pinakin S Patel

Hansraj C Maru

Bernard S Baker

A fuel cell comprising a catalyst for endothermic reforming of the hydrocarbon content of fuel in such a manner as to promote uniform temperature distribution in the cell.

Fuel cell employing non-uniform catalyst

A fuel cell catalyst member formed from a metallic plate to whose surface is electrophoretically applied a porous support layer of ceramic material into which is impregnated an active catalyst material.

Fuel cell catalyst member and method of making same

Thermal control and fuel processing in fuel cell operation is effected through sensible heat of process gas and hydrocarbon reforming by supplying process gas in common to a flow passage in communication with the cell electrolyte and an additional gas flow passage which is isolated from the cell electrolyte and includes catalyst promoting endothermic reforming of hydrocarbon content of the process gas. Flow level in the electrolyte-communicative flow passage is selected based on desired output electrical energy and flow level in the additional gas flow passage is selected in accordance with desired cell operating temperature and desired extent of fuel processing.

Fuel cell thermal control and reforming of process gas hydrocarbons

A fuel cell includes a separator plate having first and second flow channels extending therethrough contiguously with an electrode and respectively in flow communication with the cell electrolyte and in flow isolation with respect to such electrolyte. In fuel cell system arrangement, the diverse type channels are suplied in common with process gas for thermal control purposes. The separator plate is readily formed by corrugation of integral sheet material.

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Danbury, CT, United States of America

Dilip J Dharia