358 Fuel Cells
The electrolyte is KOH solution, with a fuel, such as hydrazine or ammonia,
mixed with it. The fuel anode is a platinum catalyst. The fuel is also fully in
contact with the cathode. The strong smell of ammonia is an advantage since
it indicates any leakage in the system immediately. Ammonia poisoning is
medically completely reversible. AFC is not very sensitive to ammonia in the
fuel gas since the electrolyte rejects ammonia and the residual ammonia in
the hydrogen can be recirculated through the dissociator catalytic heating
unit. No shift converter, selective oxidizer, or further co-reactants like water
are required. This results in a compact lightweight dissociator.
This dissolved fuel type of cell can be used with other l ...