Fuel cell e.g. mixed conduction membrane fuel cell, for producing electric energy for stationary applications, has channel whose cross section has minimum size larger than specific value so as to discharge from diaphragm to outside of cell

Abstract

NOVELTY - The cell (1) has a porous central diaphragm (30) whose surfaces (32, 35) are in contact with an electrolyte (20) and a cathode (50). The electrolyte has material conducting M ions and the diaphragm has material conducting both M and N ions. Rectilinear channels (52) pass through the cathode and connected to the diaphragm and a free surface of the cathode. Minimum size of a cross-section of one of the channels is larger than 20 micrometers so as to enable a product i.e. water, from reaction of the ions to be discharged from the diaphragm to outside the cell through the channels. USE - Fuel cell e.g. mixed conduction membrane fuel cell, for producing electric energy for stationary applications. Can also be used for long term onboard applications e.g. car. ADVANTAGE - The minimum size of the cross-section of one of the channels is larger than 20 micrometers so as to enable the product resulting from reaction of the ions to be discharged from the diaphragm to outside the cell through the channels in an efficient manner, thus increasing power density of the fuel cell. The electrolyte and the central membrane are manufactured by using single operation e.g. sintering, so as to simplify manufacturing of the fuel cell and improve mechanical resistance and durability of the assembly