Patent ID: 6794073
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A direct antifreeze cooled fuel cell for producing electrical energy from a reducing fluid and a process oxidant stream, comprising:a. an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst; b. a porous anode substrate secured in direct fluid communication with the anode catalyst for passing the reducing fluid stream adjacent the anode catalyst and a wetproofed cathode support means secured in direct fluid communication with the cathode catalyst for passing the process oxidant stream adjacent the cathode catalyst; c. a porous cooler plate secured in direct fluid communication with the wetproofed cathode support means; and, d. a direct antifreeze solution passing through the porous cooler plate for cooling the fuel cell, wherein the direct antifreeze solution is a special direct antifreeze solution having; i. a freezing point of at least âˆ’20Â° F.; ii. a surface tension greater than 60 dyne/cm at an operating temperature of the fuel cell; iii. a partial pressure of antifreeze above the solution at the cell operating temperature that is less than 0.005 mm Hg; and, iv. a capacity of being oxidized by the anode and cathode catalysts at fuel cell voltages.