Abstract: A multi-stack assembly receiving fuel from a fuel supply and producing power output for consumption by a load, the assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cell stacks for producing DC power and forming a plurality of fuel cell stack groups, wherein each of the stack groups includes at least one fuel cell stack, a plurality of inverters corresponding to the plurality of fuel cell stack groups, wherein each of the inverters draws a predetermined amount of DC power from a corresponding fuel cell stack group and converts the DC power to AC power; and a controller for controlling each of the inverters to draw the predetermined amount of DC power from the corresponding fuel cell stack group so as to satisfy power requirements of the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous fabrication of homogeneous thin flake or powder electrolyte material from inorganic salt, metallic or similar materials or from mixtures of such materials for use in Carbonate Fuel Cell (“CFC”) power plants. Electrolyte precursor powders are fed to a continuous blender type mixer using precision metering equipment that controls material feed rates. The homogenous mixture of blended powders is then fed into a high temperature melting tank in which the mixture is melted, forming the desired molten eutectic composition. The liquid eutectic melt drips from the melting tank through ceramic or metallic nozzles and splat-cools on a rotating, water-cooled metal cylinder to produce uniform size, thin flake material. The thin flake electrolyte material can be used as-is, or it may be further processed using continuous grinding and powder fabrication equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous fabrication of homogeneous thin flake or powder electrolyte material from inorganic salt, metallic or similar materials or from mixtures of such materials for use in Carbonate Fuel Cell (“CFC”) power plants. Electrolyte precursor powders are fed to a continuous blender type mixer using precision metering equipment that controls material feed rates. The homogenous mixture of blended powders is then fed into a high temperature melting tank in which the mixture is melted, forming the desired molten eutectic composition. The liquid eutectic melt drips from the melting tank through ceramic or metallic nozzles and splat-cools on a rotating, water-cooled metal cylinder to produce uniform size, thin flake material. The thin flake electrolyte material can be used as-is, or it may be further processed using continuous grinding and powder fabrication equipment.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrolyte matrix for a carbonate fuel cell. An .alpha.-LiAlO.sub.2 ceramic is mixed in an aqueous solvent having a citric acid dispersant and deflocculated using a high energy attrition milling. The deflocculated mixture is added to an alcohol/glycerol aqueous binder system to form a slurry which is degassed and then tape cast to form the matrix.

Abstract: A nickel anode electrode component comprised of a support member and a porous coherent member formed from a non-sintered nickel alloy constituent. The support member and porous coherent member are laminated together and the nickel anode electrode component is assembled within a fuel cell and formed into an anode electrode in situ within the cell.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a nickel plaque wherein an assemblage of particles of a nickel alloy are oxidized and sintered in a preselected atmosphere such that the alloying material is exclusively substantially internally oxidized and the resultant product sintered to provide a sintered porous plaque containing nickel metal and oxidized alloying material.