OPERATIONAL STUDIES OF A SOLIUM AMALGAM-OXYGEN FUEL CELL PILOT PLANT.
Abstract
Operational studies have been conducted on a sodium amalgam-oxygen fuel cell pilot plant in various configurations for a total of 400 hours. The pilot plant was designed by the M. W. Kellogg Company for a five-module rated power level of 5.9 kilowatts and a maximum overload capacity of l5.9 kilowatts corresponding to electrode current densities of 70 and 285 amp per sq ft, respectively. A maximum power output of 8.7 kilowatts was obtained with 5 modules at a current density of 150 amp per sq ft. A load-bank-capacity-limited output of 8.48 KW was obtained with 4 modules in series. Continual regeneration of a flowing amalgam stream by manually controlled mechanical extrusion of solid sodium was successfully accomplished over a normal 8-hour day of test operation. Pilot plant tests were terminated after 400 hours total operation because of reduced Navy interest in sodium amalgam fuel cells. Electrochemical performance of the electrodes was considered favorable. Further engineering development work on sodium amalgam regeneration and distribution is necessary to achieve an overall power plant system which will provide reasonably trouble-free operation over the life of the fuel cells. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0636164
Entities
People
- J. A. Woerner