Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber which are separated by the electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell directly oxidizes a liquid methanol fuel which is fed into the anode chamber from a liquid methanol storage container. The liquid methanol is mixed with water in the anode chamber, and the mixture passes into and through the electrolyte membrane. Some of the methanol and water pass through the membrane into the cathode chamber and into a process air stream which moves through the cathode chamber. The methanol and water are removed from the cathode chamber by evaporation into the process air stream, which then is directed into a condenser/radiator. The methanol and water vapors are condensed in the condenser/radiator, from whence the condensed water and methanol are returned to the anode chamber of the cell. The evaporating cathode process air stream provides oxygen for the fuel cell reaction, and also cools the cell.

Abstract: A power plant for the generation of electricity utilizes high temperature fuel cells, such as molten carbonate fuel cells, as its main power supply. Part of the oxidant exhaust stream from the fuel cell is recycled through the fuel cell. Waste energy from the fuel cell in the form of exhaust gases, such as part of the oxidant exhaust, drives a turbocharger for compressing the oxidant used in the fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment the oxidant exhaust also is the source of energy for powering a bottoming cycle, such as a steam driven turbogenerator. Power plant efficiency is improved by making maximum use of the energy and heat generated within the system.