Fuel Cell Uses Liquid At Low Temperatures - C&EN Global Enterprise

jointly by GE and the Department of Defense, the cell isn't yet ready for marketing. ... The company describes them only as containing powdered pl...
0 downloads 3 Views 547KB Size
Fuel Cell Uses Liquid At Low Temperatures Operates on gasoline, kerosine, or diesel fuel, oxidizes fuels essentially to completion A fuel cell that operates on gasoline, kerosine, or diesel fuel at temperatures of 400° F. or less has been developed by General Electric Research Laboratory, Schenectady, N.Y. (C&EN, April 29, page 39). The cell oxidizes straight-chain hydrocarbons from methane to hexadecane essentially to completion, GE says. The new cell produces power at atmospheric pressure, with an efficiency of 40 to 50%. Power densities up to 25 watts per sq. ft. have been achieved, approaching the performance of cells using high-energy fuels such as hydrogen, GE says. A result of research sponsored jointly by GE and the Department of Defense, the cell isn't yet ready for marketing. One big drawback is the cost of some components, particularly the electrodes. Cheaper materials, though showing promise, are still in the exploratory stage. The efficiency of GE's cell depends largely on the configuration of the electrodes, still under wraps. The company describes them only as containing powdered platinum, supported on gauze. The assembly is about 0.01 in. thick. The fuel-electrolyte interface occurs within the pores of the electrodes. The use of a phosphoric acid electrolyte avoids undesirable reactions with hydrocarbon fuels, the firm adds. Low operating temperature widens the choice of materials that can be used to construct the cell. GE is using some plastics, for example. The 50 to 60 c/c of the fuel's energy that goes into heat is useful in maintaining the cell in its 250° to 400° F. operating range. Initial applications are expected to be military. High on the list of development goals is a portable electric power source for army units in the field. Such a "power pack" would operate on the same fuels used by military vehicles. One problem here is that the cell's efficiency is reduced somewhat by some of the additives in motor fuels. Further in the future are commercial applications such as "smog-free" outdoor power sources, which would take advantage of the cell's complete conversion.

what's new in catalysts Progress is inevitable . . . this is particularly true in the manufacturing of catalysts as it is with the myriad of specialized processes that use them. Girdler Catalysts meets this challenge with a continuous research and development program which not only improves the performance of its standard line catalysts, but also produces many new custom catalysts annually. Let Girdler Catalysts keep you informed as to what's new in catalysts. Our specialized knowledge and broad experience will prove most helpful. Write today . . . your inquiry will receive prompt, confidential attention. Girdler Catalysts, Chemical Products Division, Chemetron Corporation, Louisville 1, Kentucky.

get it first from Girdle! Catalysts for hydrogen and synthesis gas manufacture by steam-hydrocarbon reforming by carbon monoxide conversion

for

desulfurization

by adsorption . . . by conversion

for selective hydrogénation of acetylene and diolefins in raw olefin streams... in concentrated olefin streams

for gas stream purification by methanation by removal of oxygen . . . of nitrogen oxides

for hydrogénation of organic compounds . . . of vegetable oils and tallows

for for for for

ammonia dissociation dehydrogenation alkylation, dehydration, or other acid catalyzed reactions custom applications

GIRDLER CATALYSTS α,7\ο