Modeling of Long-Term Decay in the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

Author

Alan H. Gelb
Gerald Wilemski, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

A modeling study of long-term decay modes in molten carbonate fuel cells is presented. The equilibrium thermodynamics of molten carbonate melts is treated using conformal ionic solution theory. Under fuel cell conditions hydroxide vaporization is the dominant vaporization mechanism. Models for electrolyte loss are developed. The issue of electrolyte homogeneity is addressed. Electrolyte loss from 1 m**2 molten carbonate fuel cells is computed as a function of cell pressure, cathode utilization, cell impedance, cell voltage and gas stream H//2_O content. The simulation of the effects of electrolyte loss on cell performance in laboratory-size cells is presented. The effect of electrode sintering on cell performance is discussed.

Recommended Citation

A. H. Gelb and G. Wilemski, "Modeling of Long-Term Decay in the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell," Electric Power Research Institute (Report) EPRI EM, Electric Power Research Institute, Sep 1982.

Meeting Name

1st annual EPRI Contractors' Conference on Coal Gasification (1981: Oct. 28-19, Palo Alto, CA)

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Molten Carbonate; Fuel Cells

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1982 Electric Power Research Institute, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Sep 1982