PULSE POWER FUEL CELL.
Abstract
This program was undertaken to investigate fuel cells as a source of short duration high intensity electrical power pulses in the microsecond to 5 minute range. During tests on fuel cells, small single cells demonstrated the capability for extremely high power density as evidenced by single current pulse discharges up to 15,600 amps/sq ft and power pulses up to 6200 watts/sq ft. During continuous operation power outputs up to 1000 watts/sq ft were sustained. Two important phenomena were noted during tests: (1) During microsecond - millisecond discharges a significant capacitance discharge effect permitted higher current from the cell than if limited by the electrolyte pure resistance. (2) During continuous repeated pulsing at 10-1000 cps and 50-95% pulse duration, the average integrated performance was better than with a steady state DC load. The largest improvement was noted on a cell with screen electrodes where up to 100% increase in power density over DC steady state was noted at equal cell efficiency. In general, improvement in cell performance by pulsing was most significant at high current density. Tests on a 6 cell stack breadboard of 4.5 x 4.5 inch cells demonstrated the ability to apply small single cell performance results to larger cells and cell stacks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0813832
Entities
People
- Robert A. Sanderson
Organizations
- Pratt & Whitney