Patent ID: 6232006
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant, comprising:a. at least one fuel cell having an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, an anode flow field defined adjacent the anode catalyst and extending between a reducing fluid inlet and a reducing fluid outlet for directing the reducing fluid to pass by the anode catalyst, a cathode flow field defined adjacent the cathode catalyst and extending between an oxidant inlet and an oxidant outlet for directing the oxidant stream to pass by the cathode catalyst, a reaction zone defined within the anode and cathode flow fields and co-extensive with the anode and cathode catalysts, a condensation zone defined as extending from the oxidant outlet into the cathode and anode flow fields a distance adequate to effect condensation of water vapor within the oxidant stream and reducing fluid passing through the condensation zone;b. a circulating primary liquid coolant stream pumped through the reaction zone by a primary pump so that the circulating primary liquid coolant stream removes heat from the reaction zone;c. a circulating secondary liquid coolant stream pumped through the condensation zone by a secondary pump so that the circulating secondary liquid coolant stream removes heat from the condensation zone; andd. an air conditioning means for providing a refrigerant to a secondary heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the circulating secondary liquid coolant stream to cool the secondary coolant stream.