Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha

Masaaki Matsumoto

Kenji Kataoka

Taesuke Nakayama

Akemi Hijikata

Yasuyuki Hamazaki

An electrolyte matrix is integrated with at least one electrode catalyst layer, namely, catalyst layers which can be independent from an electrode substrate. Therefore, the permeation of catalyst to the substrate can be prevented, the amount of catalyst used can be reduced, and an electrode of uniform thickness and composition can be produced and used.

Fuel cell

A fuel cell comprises a gas separator having a dense layer, with porous portions disposed on both faces of the dense layer. The fuel cell, therefore, can store excess electrolyte, and absorb volume changes in the electrolyte without accompanying 'flooding'. Further, the fuel cell can reduce the thickness of a unit cell, and improve the space factor to output of the fuel cell.

An electrolyte replenishing system for a laminated type fuel cell supplies an electrolyte to each cell block through an electrolyte replenishing valve from a replenishing line connected to an electrolyte replenishing throat of the fuel cell. A overflowing machanism is provided to the electrolyte replenishing throat of each cell block, so that the electrolyte pressure does not exceed a predetermined head pressure in each of the cell block. The excess electrolyte is collected in a lower exhausted electrolyte tank through an electrolyte exhausting valve. The exhausted and overflowed electrolyte collected in the exhausted electrolyte tank is returned to the replenishing line by means of a pump.

Growing community of inventors

Kobe, Japan

Masaaki Matsumoto