ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR BUILT AROUND METHANOL FUEL CELLS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: electrochemical generators using methanol fuel cells and their manufacture. SUBSTANCE: electrochemical generator has fuel-cell battery each cell incorporating anode and cathode separated by liquid electrolyte and ion-conducting diaphragm disposed on cathode-facing side of anode surface; electrolyte circulating circuit with pump, heat exchanger, and electrolyte jar; methanol mixture circulating circuit with pump, methanol mixture jar, and liquefied gas separator; air supply circuit with fan. Used as liquid electrolyte is aqueous solution of alkali; methanol mixture circulation circuit is provided in addition with water discharge device; electrolyte jar has electrolyte level gage. Anion-conducting diaphragm is used as ion-conducting diaphragm on anodes of fuel-cell battery. Water discharge device may be made in the form of thermal evaporator, in the form of two alternately connected thermal evaporators with heater, in the form of diffusion evaporator with steam-liquid separating diaphragm, or in the form of diffusion evaporator with porous composite diaphragm provided with water-repelling layer possessing selective penetrability to methanol vapors that separates liquid and steam spaces. Concentration of alkali aqueous solution in fuel-cell battery may be 35-45 mass percent and working temperature of battery may be 55-64 C. Electrolyte circuit may be provided in addition with electrolyte decarbonator. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency and reduced cost of electrochemical generator. 16 cl, 3 dwg