Fuel cell unit with auxiliary cathode - placed in second of two series cells to prevent metal deposits causing shorting (NL 8.2.78)

摘要

The fuel cell unit consists of two cells each with an anode space and anode collector and an active cathode. The anode of the first cell is connected to the cathode of the second. The liquid electrolyte containing active anode metal particles flows through the anode spaces of both cells. The second cell has an auxiliary cathode whose electric current follows lines concentrated at one end of the anode collector of this second cell. The end of the anode collector is hydraulically adjacent to the first cell. The auxiliary cathode is electrically insulated from the main cathode. The extra cathode prevents metal deposits blocking anode space and preventing electrolyte circulation which leads to short circuiting of anode collectors of consecutive cells.