Patent ID: 6682839
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of controlling temperature within an electrochemical fuel cell, said fuel cell comprising an electrolyte interposed between first and second electrodes and a quantity of electrocatalyst disposed at an interface between said electrolyte and each of said first and second electrodes, said method comprising:(a) introducing to said first electrode a reactant fluid stream comprising a gaseous reactant and a non-aqueous heat transfer liquid, such that said reactant fluid stream contacts said first electrode; (b) removing a reactant fluid exhaust stream from said first electrode, said reactant fluid exhaust stream comprising said heat transfer liquid; and (c) recirculating at least a portion of said heat transfer liquid from said reactant fluid exhaust stream to said first electrode via a heat exchanger, whereby the temperature of said heat transfer liquid is controlled.