Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for electrolytically smelting alumina to produce aluminum metal, including providing a combination solid oxide fuel cell and electrolytic smelting cell for the production of aluminum from refined alumina positioned near tile solid oxide fuel cell. In one aspect, an alumina ore refinery for producing the refined alumina is positioned near the solid oxide fuel cell, and refined alumina is passed at a temperature of at least 900.degree. C. directly from the alumina ore refinery to the electrolytic smelting cell. In one aspect, the solid oxide fuel cell incorporates a planar construction having a solid state cathode material of lanthanum strontium manganate, a solid electrolyte of yttria stabilized zirconia, and a nickel/yttria stabilized zirconia cermet anode.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant includes an electrochemical autothermal reformer (EATR) which provides hydrogen to the fuel cell. The EATR includes an autothermal reformer region, an anode supply region, and a mixed ion conductor membrane or metal or metal alloy membrane layer separating the autothermal reforming region from the reformer anode supply region. An anode gas loop, located between an anode supply region of the EATR and an anode compartment or section of the fuel cell circulates a mixture of hydrogen and a carrier gas between the two regions. The carrier gas ensures proper control of partial pressures of hydrogen in the two regions. A difference in operating temperature between the EATR and the fuel cell is exploited by heat exchangers which efficiently enable certain heating and cooling functions within the power plant.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant includes an electrochemical autothermal reformed (EATR) which provides hydrogen to the fuel cell. The EATR includes an autothermal reformer region, an anode supply region, and a mixed ion conductor or membrane layer separating the autothermal reforming region from the reformer anode supply region. An anode gas loop, located between an anode supply region of the EATR and an anode compartment or section of the fuel cell circulates a mixture of hydrogen and a carrier gas between the two regions. The carrier gas ensures proper control of partial pressure of hydrogen in the two regions. A difference in operating temperature between the EATR and the fuel cell is exploited by heat exchanger which efficiently enable certain heating and cooling functions within the power plant.

Abstract: A regenerative electrochemical cell system based on a fuel cell to oxidize methyl alcohol or other oxygenated hydrocarbons coupled with a regenerative cell to reduce carbon dioxide to form oxygenated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Methods to reversibly interconvert oxygenated hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide, to recycle carbon dioxide produced as a by-product of industrial processes, and to store and release electrical and chemical energy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrolytic cell apparatus and methods for generating a useful energy product from a plurality of energy sources. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced at a cathode by transmission of electrons through a low voltage potential barrier to electron flow achieved by careful control of electrolyte constituent concentrations and surface materials on the cathode. A portion of the energy captured in the hydrogen gas is provided by heat transmitting activity of ions dissociated from water at an anode which catalytically dissociates the water and thereby transfers thermal energy from the anode to the ions and other constituents of the cell electrolyte. Thermal energy is replaced in the anode by absorption of heat from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Device and method of generating hydrogen from water and utilizing simultaneously the generated hydrogen gas as alternative fuel or supplemental for automotive and other engines as means to replace up to at least as much as 80% of the hydro-carbon fuels used by such engines. The hydrogen generating device comprises an electrolytic cell or combination of two or more cells energized by a high density direct current of as much as 5,000 amperes, such electrical energy derived from the automotive engine by transforming mechanical energy to electrical energy by means of a direct current generator. The electrolytic cell or cells is supplied by a continuous feed water supply system. Increased capacities are possible due to high amperage loads attainable by the electrolytic cell without overheating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting energy to hydrogen gas using an electrolyzer and a metal alloy hydride tank for hydrogen storage, wherein a passive load matching device between the energy source and the electrolyzer maximizes hydrogen output, and the electrolyzer and the metal alloy hydride tank operate at mutually low pressure, near ambient, such that pressurization of the system is not required.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and means for preventing or greatly reducing biological growth on the cathode (7, 11) of a sea water cell (1) which is based on electrolytic reaction between oxygen, water and a metal anode (6, 10), and which is arranged to be connected to a load (3, 15) through a DC/DC converter (2, 14). An external power supply (5, 16) which may be powered from the load (3, 15), is at intervals connected to an electrode of copper (or copper alloy) (8, 12) included with the cell structure, to electrolytically dissolve copper. The negative terminal (18) of the power supply (16) may at intervals be connected to an auxiliary electrode (13) of a suitable metal or metal alloy such as copper, titanium or stainless steel. The interconnection of the power supply (5, 16) to the electrode (8, 12), and possibly to the auxiliary electrode (13) is controlled by a timing device (4, 17). At intervals, the same or a separate timing device (4, 17) may turn-off/switch-on the DC/DC converter (2, 14).

Abstract: A variable pressure passive regenerative fuel cell system is provided wherein both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are designed to operate under variable pressure conditions.

Abstract: A load management system for hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells is provided, for powering vehicles. The load management system operates such that under normal load conditions air is provided as the oxidizing agent for the hydrogen fuel. At high output conditions the air supply is enriched with additional oxygen. The system comprises means responsive to the amperage output from the fuel cell stack to activate valve means for the addition of pure oxygen into the air inlet line. There is also provided means for electrolyzing water to produce pure hydrogen and pure oxygen gas, which may be recyclable to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A synergistic process for the production of carbon dioxide comprises preparing a feed stream comprising an organic combustible fuel and hydrogen; introducing the feed stream and air into a cogeneration reactor for combusting the feed stream and producing steam, electricity and stack gases containing carbon dioxide; using at least a portion of said electricity to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen; recovering the hydrogen and oxygen and recycling at least a portion of the hydrogen for preparation of the feed stream; and, recovering the carbon dioxide from the stack gases.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the storage and the conversion of energy hng a H.sub.2 /O.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O system by switching the mode of operation electrolytic/fuel cell reaction, with a cell being utilized which is composed of an anode compartment, a cathode compartment and an ion exchange membrane as the electrolyte. Bifunctional oxidation electrodes are utilized as electrodes in the anode compartment so that during electrolytic operation oxygen is formed and during fuel cell operation hydrogen is oxidized and with a bifunctional reduction electrode also being utilized in the cathode compartment so that during electrolytic operation hydrogen is formed and during fuel cell operation oxygen is reduced.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of electrolytic fuel cells and the like, and more particularly aluminum-air fuel cells, is described. The efficiency of the fuel cell is controlled by the rate of dissolution of Aluminum in an alkaline electrolyte and this rate can be increased dramatically by activating the surface of the anode with an activator such as Tin which is precipitated thereon. Self corrosion of the Aluminum anode, when the battery is not in use is a problem which is usually solved by using ultra pure Aluminum which is very expensive. The problem may be reduced by passivating the surface of the anode by electro-deposition of a passivating layer such as Pb. The passivating layer can be electrolytically removed to reactivate the battery before the activating layer is precipitated.

Abstract: A variable pressure passive regenerative fuel cell system is provided wherein both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are designed to operate under variable pressure conditions.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and electrochemical cell for reducing a metal oxide are provided. First the oxide is separated as oxygen gas using, for example, a ZrO.sub.2 oxygen ion conductor anode and the metal ions from the reduction salt are reduced and deposited on an ion conductor cathode, for example, sodium ion reduced on a .beta.-alumina sodium ion conductor cathode. The generation of and separation of oxygen gas avoids the problem with chemical back reaction of oxygen with active metals in the cell. The method also is characterized by a sequence of two steps where an inert cathode electrode is inserted into the electrochemical cell in the second step and the metallic component in the ion conductor is then used as the anode to cause electrochemical reduction of the metal ions formed in the first step from the metal oxide where oxygen gas formed at the anode. The use of ion conductors serves to isolate the active components from chemically reacting with certain chemicals in the cell.

Abstract: A variable pressure passive regenerative fuel cell system is provided wherein both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are designed to operate under variable pressure conditions.

Abstract: A unitary fuel cell system for converting electric energy to chemical energy and for converting chemical energy to electric energy comprises a gas generating system for generating hydrogen by electrolysis, a storage arrangement for generated hydrogen, and a fuel cell having a solid polyelectrolytic film for generating electricity in response to the application thereto of hydrogen from the storage arrangement.

Abstract: A method for removing NOX from gases is provided. A gas comprising NOX and/or SO.sub.2 is flowed behind a gas permeable anode. Air is simultaneously flowed behind the gas permeable cathode, and the cathode is separated from the anode by a liquid electrolyte. An external potential is applied between the anode and the cathode to bring about the oxidation of NOX and/or SO.sub.2 at the anode and the reduction of dioxygen at the cathode to yield nitric oxide and/or sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A fuel cell for the electrolytic production of hydrogen chloride and the generation of electric energy from hydrogen and chlorine gas is disclosed. In typical application, the fuel cell operates from the hydrogen and chlorine gas generated by a chlorine electrolysis generator. The hydrogen chloride output is used to maintain acidity in the anode compartment of the electrolysis cells, and the electric energy provided from the fuel cell is used to power a portion of the electrolysis cells in the chlorine generator or for other chlorine generator electric demands. The fuel cell itself is typically formed by a passage for the flow of hydrogen chloride or hydrogen chloride and sodium chloride electrolyte between anode and cathode gas diffusion electrodes, the HCl increaThis invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-AC02-86ER80366 with the Department of Energy and the United States Government has certain rights thereto.

Abstract: A cryogenic compressor for compressing hydrogen and oxygen and method for compressing these two gases. In a first preferred embodiment, an electrochemical compressor (12) is operative to compress hydrogen and oxygen gas. These two gases separately enter chamber (120 and 132) in an enclosure (118). Between the two chambers is disposed a catalytic membrane (124), sandwiched between a porous cathode (122) and a porous anode (126). A catalytic reaction combines the gases to form water, producing an electrical current as a byproduct. Adjacent chamber 132 are disposed a porous anode (134) and a porous cathode (138), sandwiched on each side of a catalytic membrane (136). An electric potential applied to porous anode (134) and porous cathode (138) transports water molecules and hydrogen from chamber (132) through catalytic membrane (136) into a chamber (140). The pressure in chamber (140) is substantially greater than the pressure in chamber (132).

Abstract: A fuel cell power generating system comprising a central hydrogen-generating plant, a plurality of fuel cell power generating units installed respectively at the sites of power demand for on-site power generation, and piping comprising a main pipe connected to the hydrogen-generating plant, branch pipes connecting the fuel cell power generating units to the main pipe, and valves for regulating the pressure and flow rate of hydrogen gas according to the operating condition of the fuel cell power generating units. The fuel cell power generating units are operated according to power demand, and the surplus hydrogen gas is stored in the piping at an elevated pressure to supplement the capacity of the hydrogen-generating plant when the hydrogen gas demand of the fuel cell power generating units exceeds the capacity of the hydrogen-generating plant.

Abstract: The cell stack can be operated as a fuel cell stack or as an electrolysis cell stack. The stack consists of a series of alternate fuel cell subassemblies with intervening electrolysis cell subassemblies, and interspersed cooling plates. The water produced and consumed in the two modes of operation migrates between adjacent cell subassemblies. The component plates are annular with a central hydrogen plenum and integral internal oxygen manifolds. No fluid pumps are needed to operate the stack in either mode.

Abstract: A transition metal electrocatalyst surface (e.g. a porous surface of finely divided Group VIII or Group I-B metal with an attached current collector) is modified by a sulfur treatment, using an oxidized sulfur species of average sulfur oxidation state of about 4 or less, e.g. SO.sub.2 dissolved in aqueous acid. Treatment of the transition metal with SO.sub.2 or the like typically provides up to 100% coverage of the surface electrocatalyst sites with chemisorbed sulfur-containing species and perhaps subsurface effects as well, but washing or other non-electrochemical techniques can remove 5-90% (e.g. 25-70%) of the chemisorbed SO.sub.2 or the like from the surface, leaving substantially only a very strongly bound form of the sulfur-containing species. The strongly bound sulfur-containing species can then be reduced to form a highly beneficial, selectively-improving pattern of sites containing reduced -S (e.g. sulfur or sulfide) on the electrocatalyst surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for operating a fuel cell 14 which produces electrical energy in combination with an electrochemical cell 12 which uses electrical energy to produce a chemical product. The electrolysis cell produces an oxidant for use in the fuel cell and is linked with the fuel cell by a direct current converter which allows the fuel cell to operate between an upper voltage limit and a lower voltage limit and the electrochemical cell to operate at a voltage which is independent of the fuel cell voltage. In one embodiment, the electrochemical cell produces a fuel and an oxidant for the fuel cell as well as a saleable chemical product such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for operating a fuel cell 14 which produces electrical energy using hydrogen in combination with a chlorate electrolysis cell which uses electrical energy to produce a chlorate product and hydrogen. A regulator means employs a direct current converter 16 having a gated switch means, such as thyristor 98, to intermittently pass electrical power from the fuel cell to the chlorate electrolysis cell such that the voltage drop across the direct current converter is equal to the difference in voltage between the fuel cell and the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A method for extracting oxygen from a fluid environment, which comprises the steps of (1) contacting a first fluid environment containing oxygen with a first surface of a first oxygen permeable membrane having a first and a second surface, wherein the membrane separates the environment from an interior space of a closed container, (2) transporting a carrier fluid into contact with the second surface of the membrane, wherein the carrier fluid is confined in the closed container and the carrier fluid contains a binding-state oxygen carrier, whereby oxygen which diffuses through the membrane binds to the carrier to give a bound oxygen complex, (3) transporting the carrier fluid containing the bound oxygen complex to a first electrode compartment of an electrochemical cell which forms a second portion of the closed container, (4) electrochemically modifying the binding-state oxygen carrier to an oxidation state having less binding affinity for oxygen, thereby releasing free oxygen into the carrier fluid and produ

Abstract: By combining the manufacture of sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, and by using a fuel cell to optimize the energy consumption, the energy efficiency of the manufacture of NaOH and HCl can be improved by at least about 33%. Electrical energy produced in a hydrogen chloride fuel cell is used to assist the electrolysis reaction for making sodium hydroxide, thereby achieving a marked increase in the overall manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Direct D.C. electrical coupling between a fuel cell and an electrolysis cell is achieved without use of any other electrical power or storage source by use of an oxidant partial pressure control system. This system is based on comparison of the desired fuel cell output voltage with the actual voltage output of the fuel cell and adjusting the partial pressure accordingly.

Abstract: In the disclosed electrogenerative process for converting alcohols such as ethanol to aldehydes such as acetaldehyde, the alcohol starting material is an aqueous solution containing more than the azeotropic amount of water. Good first-pass conversions (<40% and more typically <50%) are obtained at operating cell voltages in the range of about 80 to about 350 millivolts at ordinary temperatures and pressures by using very high flow rates of alcohol to the exposed anode surface (i.e. the "gas" side of an anode whose other surface is in contact with the electrolyte). High molar flow rates of vaporized aqueous alcohol also help to keep formation of undesired byproducts at a low level.

Abstract: A process for making chlorine gas and concentrating caustic soda comprising:(1) feeding a brine to the anolyte compartment solution and a dilute NaOH solution to the catholyte compartment of an electrolysis cell comprising a cation-transporting membrane, thereby generating chlorine at the anode, hydrogen at the cathode, and concentrating NaOH in the catholyte solution;(2) coupling the membrane electrolysis cell to a cation-transporting membrane alkaline fuel cell by providing at least some of the hydrogen generated in the electrolysis cell to the anode of the fuel cell, and splitting the catholyte flow from the catholyte compartment of the electrolysis cell so that it feeds into both the catholyte chamber and the anolyte chamber of the fuel cell in an unequal amount with a greater proportion of the catholyte going into the anion chamber;(3) concentrating the NaOH in the fuel cell by providing an oxygen source to the catholyte chamber of the fuel cell, and using the oxygen and the hydrogen to generate a curren

Abstract: A method for reversibly removing a ligand from a ligand carrier, which comprises:(1) contacting a fluid containing a binding-state ligand carrier to which said ligand is bound with a first electrochemical electrode wherein said binding-state ligand carrier undergoes a redox reaction to form a nonbinding-state ligand carrier and free ligand;(2) removing free ligand from the fluid obtained in step (1);(3) contacting the fluid obtained from step (2) containing said nonbinding-state ligand carrier with a second electrochemical electrode wherein said nonbinding-state ligand carrier undergoes a redox reaction to reform said binding-state ligand carrier;(4) contacting the fluid obtained from step (3) containing said binding-state ligand carrier with a ligand source, whereby said ligand binds to said binding-state ligand carrier; and(5) repeating steps (1)-(4),is disclosed along with an apparatus useful in conducting this invention.

Abstract: An electrical conducting solid electrode on the surface of which cytochrome c.sub.3 is immobilized in an amount ranging from 20%-100% of the monolayer coverage, said electrode thereby provided with the electrocatalytic capability of the direct four-electron reduction of dioxygen to water, and its uses.

Abstract: An improved chlorine producing plant having at least one electrolytic cell adapted to generate chlorine in combination with a zinc-chloride battery stack and electrolyte circulation system is disclosed. Conduit means is provided for permitting the chlorine generated by the battery stack during the charging of the battery stack to supplement the amount of chlorine generated by the electrolytic cell, and for permitting the electrolytic cell to supply chlorine to the battery stack during the discharge of the battery stack. Additionally, power conditioning means may be interposed between the electrolytic cell and the zinc-chloride battery stack for permitting the zinc-chloride battery stack to supplement the supply of electrical power to the electrolytic cell during the discharging of the battery stack. In operation, the zinc-chloride battery stack is charged substantially during off-peak electrical energy consuming hours and discharged substantially during on-peak electrical energy consuming hours.

Abstract: An electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen and oxygen gases is formed by the cooling system of an internal combustion engine wherein the engine casing forms one of the electrodes and produces one of the hydrogen and oxygen gases and the radiator forms the other of the electrodes and produces the other of the gases. The electrolyte used in the electrolysis unit includes a hydride for absorbing and storing hydrogen produced by the electrolysis process and for releasing hydrogen when thermally activated. An array of solar cells is integrated into the body panels of the vehicle wherein the engine is located and is connected to the engine and radiator for supplying current to the electrolysis unit for producing the hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Abstract: A halogen production apparatus comprising a halogen production device and a metal-halogen secondary cell which contains in its electrolyte the same halogen as is produced by the production device. Drive power is supplied to the production device from a commercial power terminal. Charging power is supplied from the commercial power terminal to the secondary cell during a first period of time, for example, during a period of time in which the power cost is low. During this period of time, the halogen produced by the secondary cell is added to the halogen produced by the production device. During a second period of time different from the first period, for example, during a period of time in which the power cost is high, the power generated by the secondary cell is supplied to the production device while a portion of the halogen produced by the production device is being supplied to the electrolyte of the secondary cell.

Abstract: Photoelectrochemical cells employing chalcogenophosphate (MPX.sub.3) photoelectrodes are disclosed, where M is selected from the group of transition metal series of elements beginning with scandium (atomic number 21) through germanium (atomic number 32) yttrium (atomic number 39) through antimony (atomic number 51) and lanthanum (atomic number 57) through polonium (atomic number 84); P is phosphorus; and X is selected from the chalogenide series consisting of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium. These compounds have bandgaps in the desirable range of 2.0 eV to 2.2 eV for the photoelectrolysis of water and are stable when used as photoelectrodes for the same.

Abstract: Process for the simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxide and electricl energy. A plurality of hybrid cells (1) are operated in series with an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide introduced as anolyte into an anode compartment of a first hybrid cell (6) at one end of the series and an aqueous fluid medium receptive to alkali metal ions introduced as catholyte into a cathode of a last hybrid cell (7) at an opposite end of the series of cells (1). The anolyte is caused to flow through the anode compartments (3) of the cells (1) in sequence from the first cell (6) to the last cell (7) of the series of cells (1). The catholyte is caused to flow through the cathode compartments (4) in sequence from the last cell (7) to the first cell (6) countercurrently to the flow of anolyte from hybrid cell to hybrid cell of the series of cells (1).

Abstract: In an electrolysis cell, molten alkali hydroxide is decomposed into products which include alkali metal and water. The water dissolves in the electrolyte where it is decomposed by electrolysis or by reaction with alkali metal thereby reducing efficiency of the cell and yield of the alkali metal.According to the process of the invention, the electrolyte with water dissolved therein is drawn through openings in an anode, is depleted of the dissolved water by a dehydrating means which is separate from the cell, and the dehydrated electrolyte is returned to an anolyte portion of the operating electrolysis cell for further decomposition.According to the apparatus of the invention, the anode comprises a plurality of parallel elongated electrodes which alternate with parallel channels. The electrolyte flows from a return channel, over an electrode, and through a withdrawal channel for the depletion of water and return to operating portions of the electrolysis cell through the return channels.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses the use of a specific fuel fed electrode in depositing metals from solutions thereof and in the absence of an external applied potential. Basically as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode comprises an electrically conductive porous substrate 3 bearing on one surface thereof a fuel activating catalyst 4. The porosity of the substrate is sufficient that the current density at surface 2 of the substrate 3 opposite the catalyst 4 will assure substantially complete depletion of metal ions very near the surface of the porous substrate, whereby the catalyst surface and the pores remain substantially free of deposited metal.

Abstract: Acetaldehyde is obtained from an ethyl alcohol "fuel" anodically treated in a fuel cell, and the acetaldehyde (along with any evaporated, unreacted ethanol "fuel") is ultimately recovered in anhydrous or substantially anhydrous form. Further chemical and electrochemical transformation of acetaldehyde in the presence of the fuel cell anode is stopped or minimized to avoid the formation of condensates or polymers or more highly oxidized products (e.g., acetic acid or aldol condensates) which may act as catalyst poisons. For example, ethyl alcohol can be vaporized and fed to the gas side of a gas-permeable fluid-impermeable electrode, in which case up to 60 mole-% or more of the acetaldehyde product stays with the vapor stream and avoids further chemical reactions or side reactions, substantially the balance going into solution in the electrolyte, from which it can be recovered, e.g., by low temperature distillation.

Abstract: A method for desalination of sea water using a main electrochemical generr which has an anode compartment through which the water to be desalinated is fed and which causes formation in the solution of chlorates and perchlorates, removal of the latter being effected by a potassium salt such as potassium bicarbonate. The insoluble matters are separated from the solution, while the residual salts dissolved therein are oxidized at the anode of secondary electrochemical generator(s), under the form of persalts apt to be precipitated and removed by settling or filtration. The insoluble matters obtained at the various stages of this treatment can be decomposed by heating or electrolysis or under the action of a strong acid such as hydrochloric acid. The power consumed during desalination may be wholly or partly supplied by the above mentioned main electrochemical generator and secondary electrochemical generators.This method may be used to provide fresh water for agricultural, industrial or domestic purposes.

Abstract: Alkali metal hydroxide solutions are purified and concentrated by electrolysis of such solutions in the anode compartment of a hybrid cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a cation permeable diffusion barrier. To enable operation, gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the anode, oxygen to the cathode and an aqueous media receptive to alkali metal ions to the cathode compartment. A plurality of the hybrid cells may be operated in hydrodynamic series.

Abstract: Alkali metal hydroxide solutions are purified and concentrated by electrolysis of such solutions in a hybrid cell comprising an anode compartment and a central compartment separated from the anode compartment by a cation permeable diffusion barrier, and a cathode compartment in flow communication with the central compartment and separated from the central compartment by a diaphragm. To enable operation, gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the anode, oxygen to the cathode, an aqueous solution of at least one alkali metal hydroxide to the anode compartment, and an aqueous media receptive to alkali metal ions to the central compartment. A plurality of the hybrid cells may be operated in hydrodynamic series.

Abstract: Electrochemical method and associated apparatus permit carbonaceous materials to be gasified to carbon oxides under mild conditions with the attendant formation of fuels or high energy intermediates such as hydrogen, or light hydrocarbons and production of electric power.

Abstract: A flow of an alkali hydroxide solution such as chloralkali cell liquor containing NaOH and NaCl is introduced into the anode compartment of a hybrid cell which also includes a cathode compartment separated from the anode compartment by a cation selective, permeable membrane. The anode and the cathode permit gas diffusion. Gaseous hydrogen is supplied to the anode; air to the cathode; and a flow of water or other aqueous solution to the cathode compartment. The chloralkali cell is electrically connected to the hybrid cell. When the same number of coulombs flow through the chloralkali cell and the hybrid cell, the introduced chloralkali cell liquor is depleted of alkali metal ions which pass through the membrane to the water flowing through the cathode compartment. Through electrolytic consumption of water and evaporation of water from the cathode surface, highly purified caustic solutions of up to 50% caustic content can be obtained.

Abstract: A submersible energy storage apparatus for an electrical power source is vided which includes an electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly and a fuel cell. The electrolysis unit feed water gas collection assembly includes a hydrogen container and an oxygen container wherein each container has a gas outlet and is capable of containing feed water as well as hydrogen and oxygen gases respectively. An electrolysis cell is provided which has a hydrogen outlet, an oxygen outlet and a feed water inlet. The hydrogen outlet is located in the hydrogen container, the oxygen outlet is located in the oxygen container, and the feed water inlet is located in one of the containers. Each of the containers has an opening to the submersible environment so as to be pressure responsive thereto. A barrier device is provided in association with the opening in each container for isolating the feed water in the container from water in the submersible environment.

Abstract: Animal waste conversion into animal feed in a process and system including an electrochemical cell in which cell electrolytic conditions are controlled to promote growth of waste aerobic bacteria, without forming oxygen bubbles, and to produce hydrogen bubbles which are collected in the cell and then, in a fuel cell, converted into D.C. electricity that is utilized to supply the major portion of the electricity employed in the conversion cell. The system and process utilizes relatively concentrated waste liquor feeds to the conversion cell, e.g., from about 15% to about 10% total solids, and is adapted for continuous operations, e.g., as a supplemental feed-producing compliment to livestock-raising operations.

Abstract: An abstract of my disclosure envisions a continuously repeated series of treatments a gaseous and fluidized powder stream is subjected to after it is made and unceasingly renewed from fossil fuel, oxygen and steam in a gasifier at slagging temperatures; and then impelled to flow through connected steam making, processing and electricity generating units forming a closed circulatory system; producing a stream of carbon monoxide and hydrogen while generating electrical energy.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus comprising a cell having a plurality of chambers defined in the cell by cation exchange membranes and anion exchange membranes arranged alternately, a high concentration electrolyte and a low concentration electrolyte being filled alternately in said plurality of chambers, and a pair of electrodes guided into the chambers disposed on both the ends of said cell, respectively, and the open circuit voltage between said electrodes being higher than the decomposition voltage of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the concentration and purification of a cell liquor containing sodium or potassium hydroxide wherein the three compartment electrolytic cell has a porous catalytic anode, a porous asbestos diaphragm separating the anode compartment and a central compartment having a stratification network, a cation-exchange membrane separating the central compartment and a cathode compartment having cathode disposed therein such that an electrolyzing current may be passed between the anode and cathode. Hydrogen gas emanating from the cathode and anode compartments is fed into the porous catalytic anode to decrease the potential across the cell below the evolution potential for chlorine and coincidently reduce the power requirements of the cell, which is operated at elevated temperatures.