Abstract: An integrated electrochemical fuel cell power plant, including a fuel processing subsystem is suitable for use in a submarine. Selection and control of operating temperatures and pressures in the various subsystems and components of the fuel cell power plant are important aspects of submarine power plant design. A catalytic burner is used to heat a heat transfer fluid, which in turn is used to heat a vaporizer and reformer in the fuel processing subsystem. A hydrogen separator is used to obtain a substantially pure hydrogen fuel stream from the reformate stream, which is directed to and recirculated through the fuel cell stack in a closed-loop. The fuel processor is operated at high pressure which facilitates the discharge of waste exhaust streams overboard, and the fuel cell is operated at a substantially lower pressure.

Abstract: A radial flow fuel processor comprises a heat transfer assembly and a reactor housing encasing the heat transfer assembly. The heat transfer assembly includes a plate having a plurality of heat transfer structures extending therefrom and at least one fluid passageway extending within the heat transfer plate for containing a heat transfer fluid stream. The reactor housing comprises a an inlet and an outlet. A reactant stream introduced at the inlet flows radially outwardly through the processing chamber to the volume between the housing and the heat transfer assembly, and is then exhausted through the outlet. In reverse mode, a reactant stream introduced at the outlet flows radially inwardly through volume between the housing and the heat transfer assembly to the processing chamber, and is then exhausted through the inlet.

Abstract: An integrated fuel cell power generation system comprises a fuel cell stack having a humidification section and an electrochemically active section. The humidification section imparts water vapor to an inlet hydrogen containing fuel stream and an inlet oxygen containing oxidant stream. The electrochemically active section comprises fuel cells for promoting the electrocatalytic conversion of the humidified fuel and oxidant streams to electric current and product water. The electrochemically active section also includes a coolant water stream for absorbing heat generated in the active section. The system includes a heat exchanger for removing heat from the coolant water stream exiting the active section, a water separator for removing water from the oxidant stream exiting the fuel cell stack, and a coolant reservoir for receiving the removed water stream from the water separator and from the heat exchanger. The coolant water stream is drawn from the coolant reservoir.

Abstract: A fully supported membrane assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. A first and second layer of porous electrically conductive sheet material, such as carbon filter paper, has a solid polymer ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween. The layers of sheet material cover and support the membrane over substantially its entire surface area. The layers of sheet material are coated with a catalyst to tender them electrochemically active. The layers of sheet material and the membrane are bonded together to form a consolidated assembly. Openings are formed in the layers of sheet material and the membrane to accommodate the passage of fluids through the assembly. Seals are formed by impregnating the layers of sheet material with a sealant material which generally circumscribes the fluid passage openings and the electrochemically active portion of the assembly.

Abstract: Novel fluid flow field plates for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell include in a major surface thereof, multiple continuous open-faced fluid flow channels each of which traverses the central area of the plate surface in a serpentine manner. Each of the channels has a fluid inlet at one end and a fluid outlet at the other end which are directly connected to common fluid supply and exhaust openings, respectively, defined in the plate.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a novel fluid flow field plate for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The plate includes in a major surface thereof, a continuous open-faced fluid flow channel which traverses the central area of the plate surface in a serpentine manner. The channel has a fluid inlet at one end for receiving a reactant gas and a fluid exhaust at the other end for removing excess reactant gas and reaction products from the cell.