Inventors:
Kenneth M. Sprouse - Northridge CA
James D. Navratil - Nederland CO
Assignee:
Rockwell International Corporation - Seal Beach CA
International Classification:
H01M 804
Abstract:
An anode wick for use with electrochemical fuel cells, in accordance with the invention, establishes a physical connection between a fuel cell's anode membrane surface and a liquid water reservoir. Wicking action substantially ensures the cell's anode surface is continually bathed in water. Two mechanical check valves are incorporated to effectively prevent mixing of gaseous hydrogen and oxygen gases in the event the fuel cell system's water tanks become over pressurized. This design can effectively eliminate the need for some of a conventional fuel cell system's pumps and/or compressors. Advantageously, the invention also reduces the overall weight and mechanical complexity of the fuel cell system, thereby improving system reliability.