Fuel-cell systems operable in multiple modes for variable processing of feedstock materials and associated devices, systems, and methods

摘要

Fuel cells for selectively reacting a feedstock material with or without generating electricity, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A fuel cell system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first electrode positioned in a first region, a second electrode positioned in a second region, an electrolyte between the first and second regions, and an electrical circuit connected between the first and second electrodes. The system can further include a material collector in the first region to collect a non-gaseous reaction product from a non-electricity-generating reaction of the feedstock material in the first region. A controller receives an input corresponding to an instruction to control the rate of reaction product production and/or electrical current production. In response, the controller can partially or completely interrupt electron flow along the electrical circuit and/or change a rate at which reactants other than the feedstock material are supplied to the fuel cell.