Importance

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Abstract

A dual coolant loop fuel cell power plant is disclosed that includes at least one fuel cell for producing an electric current from a reducing fluid and an oxidant stream, wherein the fuel cell includes an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst. An anode flow field is defined adjacent the anode catalyst and extends between a reducing fluid inlet and a reducing fluid outlet. A cathode flow field is defined adjacent the cathode catalyst and extends between an oxidant inlet and an oxidant outlet. A reaction zone is defined within the anode and cathode flow fields co-extensive with the anode and cathode catalysts, and a condensation zone is defined extending from the oxidant outlet into the anode and cathode flow fields. A primary coolant loop directs a circulating primary coolant stream through the reaction zone of the fuel cell, and into a primary heat exchanger to remove heat from the reaction zone, and a secondary coolant loop directs a circulating secondary coolant stream through the condensation zone of the fuel cell, and into a secondary heat exchanger to remove heat from the condensation zone, and thereby condense water vapor in the oxidant stream and reducing fluid passing through the condensation zone. An air conditioning unit directs a refrigerant to the secondary heat exchanger to cool the circulating secondary coolant stream.

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First Claim