Abstract: High-temperature (1200-1500K) electrolysis of water and recombination of the products in a medium-temperature (530K) fuel cell achieve a practical efficiency exceeding 50%. A solid electrolyte is chosen for the electrolytic cell and in combination with the Bacon fuel cell, which offers high efficiency and automatic replenishing of water vapor into the cycle realizes a high-efficiency electrochemical cycle. Both high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors and conventional combustion processes may be used as heat sources. Unconventional heat sources, such as concentrated solar energy, can also be used. A regenerative counterflow heat exchanger and a waste-heat power plant serve as energy-conserving devices. An important feature of this cycle is the flexibility of operation that can be achieved by adding hydrogen storage. Switching among power-generating, load-averaging, and hydrogen-generating modes can then be done by simple gas-flow valves.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for blood and tissue detoxification by oxidation of excess undesirable or toxic substances such as ammonia, urea, creatinine, alanine, carbon monoxide, drug overdoses, uric acid, actone, aceto acetate and ethanol in an electrochemical cell which may be implanted or used in an extracorporeal shunt system. The cell may be hybridized with a battery to drive the cell under certain conditions, and the cell may be employed as part of a blood toxic substance level monitoring system. The invention is typified by the case where electrochemical cells convert oxygen and the enumerated toxic substances in the body fluids to harmless products such as CO.sub.2, water and nitrogen which are easily dissipated. The cells have hydrophobic cathodes having a membrane thereover of silicone rubber, polyfluorocarbon, polycarbonate, and copolymers thereof which permit diffusion of oxygen therethrough.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell assembly is provided in which a fuel cell is integrated with an electrolysis cell. In a preferred embodiment the fuel cell assembly and electrolysis cell assembly are spaced apart and have their hydrogen electrodes in facing relationship; a water transport matrix is disposed in the space between the hydrogen electrodes, and a water storage matrix is disposed adjacent the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell. During operation of the fuel cell the water storage matrix holds the water produced by the fuel cell; during electrolysis cell operation the water in the water storage matrix passes to the water transport matrix which carries it to the electrolysis cell where it is consumed.

Abstract: A gas generator is disclosed which will simply and reliably effect a gas producing reaction between a gaseous and a liquid reactant. The generator can operate at elevated temperatures and has heat exchange means incorporated. The gas generator is applied as a hydrogen generator to an energy conversion system in which hydrogen from the hydrogen-producing reaction powers a fuel cell and the reaction heat from the hydrogen producing reaction powers a thermal engine, thereby enhancing the energy conversion system relative to one in which the hydrogen generator is merely cooled and its heat is rejected as waste heat. Other possible energy conversion systems based on this gas generator are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite deuterium exchange process incorporating a catalytic exchange region and electrolytic cell region having an anode and cathode separated from each other by an electrolyte permeable diaphragm with liquid water and hydrogen gas being cycled through the two regions. It is preferred that the catalyst used in the catalytic exchange region is one that comprises at least one catalytically active metal selected from Group VIII of the periodic table and have a sealing coating directly thereon of waterproof (impermeable to liquid water) resin and are permeable to water vapor from the liquid water and hydrogen gas permeate the coating to contact the catalytically active metal thereby to exchange hydrogen isotopes, while the coating retards poisoning of the catalyst by liquid water.

Abstract: A generating cell for hydrogen and oxygen utilizes permanent magnets and electromagnets. Means are provided for removing gases from the electrodes. Mixing chambers are provided for water and the electrolyte used in the cell.