Westinghouse Electric Corporation

The United States of America As Represented by the United States

Siemens Power Generation, Inc.

Joseph M Makiel

Stephen E Veyo

Thomas R Fabis

A method and system are provided for improved control of the operating temperature of a fuel cell () utilizing an improved temperature control system () that varies the flow rate of inlet air entering the fuel cell () in response to changes in the operating temperature of the fuel cell (). Consistent with the invention an improved temperature control system () is provided that includes a controller () that receives an indication of the temperature of the inlet air from a temperature sensor () and varies the heat output by at least one heat source () to maintain the temperature of the inlet air at a set-point T. The controller () also receives an indication of the operating temperature of the fuel cell () and varies the flow output by an adjustable air mover (), within a predetermined range around a set-point F, in order to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell () at a set-point T.

System for controlling the operating temperature of a fuel cell

A high temperature solid electrolyte electrochemical generator is made, operating with flowing fuel gas and oxidant gas, the generator having a thermal insulation layer, and a sealing means contacting or contained within the insulation, where the sealing means is effective to control the contact of the various gases utilized in the generator.

Fuel cell generator containing a gas sealing means

A high temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell generator comprising a housing means defining a plurality of chambers including a generator chamber and a combustion products chamber, a porous barrier separating the generator and combustion product chambers, a plurality of elongated annular fuel cells each having a closed end and an open end with the open ends disposed within the combustion product chamber, the cells extending from the open end through the porous barrier and into the generator chamber, a conduit for each cell, each conduit extending into a portion of each cell disposed within the generator chamber, each conduit having means for discharging a first gaseous reactant within each fuel cell, exhaust means for exhausting the combustion product chamber, manifolding means for supplying the first gaseous reactant to the conduits with the manifolding means disposed within the combustion product chamber between the porous barrier and the exhaust means and the manifolding means further comprising support and bypass means for providing support of the manifolding means within the housing while allowing combustion products from the first and a second gaseous reactant to flow past the manifolding means to the exhaust means, and means for flowing the second gaseous reactant into the generator chamber.

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Monroeville, PA, United States of America

Joseph M Makiel