METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SERVICING ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: dc power supplies and systems using hydrogen and oxygen, as well as alkali and acid electrolytes.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method for servicing electrochemical generator involves pumping of hydrogen and liquid electrolyte through fuel cell battery as well as passage of CO₂-free air through fuel cell battery and its discharge into surrounding atmosphere; in the process electrical energy is generated and reaction product (water) is discharged into surrounding atmosphere; reaction product (water) is dissolved in electrolyte until 15% concentration is attained. After that electrolyte is heated to water boiling temperature and air passed through fuel cell battery is cooled down to ambient temperature, mixed up with steam produced as result of electrolyte heating, and steam-gas mixture formed in the process is discharged into surrounding atmosphere; at the same time electrolyte concentration is brought to 35%. Device implementing this method has set of loads with electrochemical generator operating variables recorder, fuel cell battery with air pumping system incorporating fan, air CO₂ cleaner and pipe union for discharging air from fuel cell battery, hydrogen pumping system, electrolyte pumping closed loop incorporating electrolyte tank with gas and liquid spaces and pump, air flow cooler, air flow control valve, and steam-gas mixture discharge line; inlet of air flow control valve is connected to pipe union for discharging air from fuel cell battery; one outlet of this valve is connected to inlet of air flow cooler and other one, to steam-gas mixture discharge line; air cooler outlet is connected to gas space of electrolyte tank.

EFFECT: reduced power requirement, enhanced operating reliability.

3 cl, 1 dwg