Patent ID: 6528194
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: F28C,F28D,F28F,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A freeze tolerant fuel cell power plant for producing electrical current from reducing fluid and process oxidant reactant streams, the power plant comprising:a. at least one fuel cell; b. a coolant loop having a water transport plate secured within the fuel cell that directs a water coolant through the fuel cell, and a coolant circulating means secured to a coolant passage for circulating the water coolant through the coolant loop; and, c. a water displacement system including; i. a freeze tolerant accumulator means for storing the water coolant and a water immiscible fluid; ii. a water immiscible fluid feed line secured between the accumulator means and the coolant loop; iii. a water immiscible fluid circulating means secured in fluid communication with the water immiscible fluid feed line for circulating the water immiscible fluid from the accumulator means; iv. a coolant loop drain line secured between the coolant loop and a water coolant drain inlet of the accumulator; and, v. fluid displacement control valve means for selectively directing the water immiscible fluid to flow from the accumulator means into the coolant loop, and for selectively directing the water coolant within the coolant loop to flow into the accumulator means.