Abstract: In a fuel cell power plant comprising a plurality of stacks of molten carbonate fuel cells the CO.sub.2 produced at the anodes of the cells is combined with the process air for the cathode side of the stacks. The CO.sub.2 rich mixture is fed from stack to stack in series through the cathode sides thereof with heat being removed from the cathode side exhaust streams between consecutive stacks. This process improves cell performance by increasing the CO.sub.2 partial pressure within the stacks. The process also makes it possible to reduce the required heat exchanger heat transfer area needed to cool the cell exhaust products.

Abstract: A battery separator comprising a microporous sheet formed substantially of a mixture of polymeric constituents. One of the polymeric constituents is an ultra high molecular weight polyolefin having a standard load melt index of substantially 0 and an intrinsic viscosity greater than about 3.0. The other polymeric constituent is either a copolymer of an olefin and an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, or a blend of a low molecular weight polyolefin and a polymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid.

Abstract: An electrochemical power generation apparatus and methods of control thereof are described. The power source comprises one or more electrochemical cells having an anode and an oxygen or hydrogen peroxide depolarized cathode, a liquid electrolyte solution, electrolyte circulation means and an electrolyte container. The methods include varying the volumes of electrolyte in said container and in said battery cell so as to control the polarization and hence the cell output voltage of said anode and cathode. The anode is of the consumable-metal type, particularly aluminum. The method of varying the volume may be effected by expanding or collapsing a reversibly expansible pocket in said electrolyte container or by varying the rate of circulation of said electrolyte solution through said battery cell.