British Nuclear Fuels Plc

Stephen Vernon Barnett

Robert Glyn Lewin

Geoffrey A Wood

Peter Hugh Middleton

Andrew Timothy Ince

Robert Glynn Lewin

Christopher William Brace

A method of production and apparatus for a fuel cell having three nested truncated cones. The inner cone is made of a porous metal sponge, such as nickel, and provides a media through which fuel can pass. The second cone is provided around the inner cone in use, and acts as a diffuser for the fuel to promote efficient contact with the third cone. The third cone is the fuel cell itself and includes an electrolyte component which provides a gas impermeable layer between fuel and oxidation sides of the cell. A cathode and anode are provided on outer and inner surfaces respectively of the electrolyte component. The fuel cell is configured such that the lower surface of the fuel cell has a cross-sectional profile of greater area than the top surface. The top surface has an aperture allowing fuel to exit the diffuser cone.

Fuel cells

A gas generator comprising a layer of first material are provided with a layer of second material on one surface and a layer of third material on the other opposing surface is provided. The application of an external potential results in the flow of gas from one side of the generator to another due to the properties of the materials presented. The use of an electrolyte material as the first material and mixed conductors as the second and/or third materials is particularly beneficial in obtaining high flow rates. The use of the generator to produce oxygen for injection into a methane stream is particularly preferred.

Gas generators

Solid oxide fuel cells with specific electrode layers

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Springfields Works, United Kingdom

Stephen Vernon Barnett