Abstract: An apparatus for supplying electrical energy to a varying load is disclosed. The apparatus comprises fuel cells and energy storage devices. A fuel cell subset comprises one or a plurality of series-connected ones of the fuel cells, having a first no-load open-circuit potential thereacross and is connected in parallel with an energy storage device subset comprising one or a plurality of series-connected ones of the energy storage devices, having a second no-load open-circuit potential thereacross, to form a unit. The unit cell is connected in series or parallel with at least one other unit cell. The fuel cells in the unit cell and the at least one other unit cell are fuel cells of the same fuel cell stack. The arrangement is such that first no-load open-circuit potential and the second no-load open circuit potential are substantially balanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rechargeable high temperature battery comprising a chamber defined by at least one wall formed at least in part as a solid membrane capable of passing oxide anions, and electrodes which are present on the inside and outside of the membrane that sandwich the membrane between them. The electrode on the outside of the chamber is an oxygen redox electrode, and the membrane exhibits good conductivity for the transport of oxide anions when it is at a temperature in the range of between about 500° C. and about 1000° C.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. The passages in the first distribution member contain a catalyst for steam reforming the fuel. The catalyst is in intimate thermal contact with the fuel cells. Additionally a low temperature adiabatic preformer supplied with hydrocarbon fuel prereforms the fuel and supplies it to the passages.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack includes a core region which comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member formed from two corrugated ceramic plates which define internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member formed from two corrugated ceramic plates which define internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. A plurality of passages are defined between the fuel cells and the second distribution member which distribute and remove the second reactant from the cathodes.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack comprises a plurality of first modules and a plurality of second modules stacked alternately. Each first module comprises a first distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a first reactant to the fuel cells. The first distribution member is enclosed by a porous support structure which carries the fuel cells on its two parallel surfaces. A plurality of passages are defined between the porous support structure and the first distribution member which distribute and remove the first reactant from the anodes. Each second module comprises a second distribution member which defines internal passages for the supply of a second reactant to the fuel cells. The passages in the first distribution member contain a catalyst for steam reforming the fuel. The catalyst is in intimate thermal contact with the fuel cells. Additionally a low temperature adiabatic preformer supplied with hydrocarbon fuel prereforms the fuel and supplies it to the passages.