Patent ID: 8168337
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An electrochemical cell for use with an electrolyte, oxidizable solid fuel, and an oxidizer to generate electrical power, the electrochemical cell comprising: a permeable electrode body provided along a flow path for receiving a flow comprising at least the electrolyte, the permeable electrode body being configured to permit the electrolyte to flow therethrough, the permeable electrode body also being configured to collect the solid fuel thereon from the electrolyte flowing therethrough so as to comprise a first electrode for oxidizing the fuel to generate electrons for conduction by the first electrode; a second electrode for receiving electrons and reducing an oxidizer; the first electrode and the second electrode being spaced apart to define a gap therebetween for receiving the flow from the permeable electrode body; a plurality of return channels directly communicated to the gap and disposed radially outward from the permeable electrode body; and a flow generator configured to generate the flow comprising at least the electrolyte (i) through the permeable electrode body and towards the second electrode across the gap to transport at least the electrolyte and the oxidized fuel ions away from the permeable electrode body and towards the second electrode, and (ii) then through the plurality of return channels to transport at least the electrolyte and any by-product formed in the gap by the reaction of the oxidized fuel ions and the reduced oxidizer ions away from the gap without flowing through the second electrode.