Abstract: A fuel cell generator is made, containing fuel cells, a fuel inlet, and an oxidant manifold feed system containing a plurality of conduits which extend into the fuel cells, where the manifold system and conduits contain thermally conducting material resistant to oxidizing gas, and where no oxidant passes into the interior of the generator before passage into the fuel cells.

Abstract: A plate for a fuel cell has an arrangement of ribs defining an improved configuration of process gas channels and slots on a surface of the plate which provide a modified serpentine gas flow pattern across the plate surface. The channels are generally linear and arranged parallel to one another while the spaced slots allow cross channel flow of process gas in a staggered fashion which creates a plurality of generally mini-serpentine flow paths extending transverse to the longitudinal gas flow along the channels. Adjacent pairs of the channels are interconnected to one another in flow communication. Also, a bipolar plate has the aforementioned process gas channel configuration on one surface and another configuration on the opposite surface. In the other configuration, there are not slots and the gas flow channels have a generally serpentine configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with existing electrolyte passage means for replenishing electrolyte within the fuel cell stacks of a fuel cell stack module to keep the matrices in the optimum electrolyte-wetted condition. Pump means is provided to withdraw a predetermined volume of electrolyte from electrolyte reservoir means and propel it in a series of pulses of predetermined duration through transfer means to distribution means which divides the electrolyte volume into streams according to the number of fuel cell stacks in the module. Each portion of the electrolyte volume is then introduced into existing electrolyte passage means. The pulses of electrolyte must be of a sufficiently short duration that no electrolyte streams are still issuing within distribution means when electrolyte has reached electrolyte passage means of the fuel cell stacks. If the streams are still issuing at this time, a circuit will be completed between the fuel cell stacks through the electrically conductive electrolyte, damaging the stacks.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack protective system is made where a plurality of fuel cells, each containing liquid electrolyte subject to crystallization, is enclosed by a containing vessel, and where at least one electric heater is placed in the containing vessel and is capable of preventing electrolyte crystallization.

Abstract: Slab-shaped high efficiency catalytic reformer configurations particularly useful for generation of fuels to be used in fuel cell based generation systems. A plurality of structures forming a generally rectangular peripheral envelope are spaced about one another to form annular regions, an interior annular region containing a catalytic bed and being regeneratively heated on one side by a hot combustion gas and on the other side by the gaseous products of the reformation. An integrally mounted combustor is cooled by impingement of incoming oxidant.

Abstract: Slab-shaped high efficiency catalytic reformer configurations particularly useful for generation of fuels to be used in fuel cell based generation systems. A plurality of structures forming a generally rectangular peripheral envelope are spaced about one another to form annular regions, an interior annular region containing a catalytic bed and being regeneratively heated on one side by a hot comubstion gas and on the other side by the gaseous products of the reformation. An integrally mounted combustor is cooled by impingement of incoming oxidant.

Abstract: A corner seal for an MHD duct includes a compressible portion which contacts the duct walls and an insulating portion which contacts the electrodes, sidewall bars and insulators. The compressible portion may be a pneumatic or hydraulic gasket or an open-cell foam rubber. The insulating portion is segmented into a plurality of pieces of the same thickness as the electrodes, insulators and sidewall bars and aligned therewith, the pieces aligned with the insulator being of a different size from the pieces aligned with the electrodes and sidewall bars to create a stepped configuration along the corners of the MHD channel.

Abstract: A containment vessel for use in mobile nuclear reactor installations. The containment vessel completely surrounds the entire primary system, and is located as close to the reactor primary system components as is possible in order to minimize weight. In addition to being designed to withstand a specified internal pressure, the containment vessel is also designed to maintain integrity as a containment vessel in case of a possible collision accident.

Abstract: A control rod and its associated drive are used to elevate a complete stack of fuel blocks to a position above the core of a gas-cooled nuclear reactor. A fuel-handling machine grasps the control rod and the drive is unlatched from the rod. The stack and rod are transferred out of the reactor, or to a new location in the reactor, by the fuel-handling machine.