Electrolyte management of molten-carbonate fuel cells

The influence of electrolyte content on the performance of molten-carbonate fuel cells is investigated. Cell performance is good at a moderate electrolyte-loading ratio, but poor for both low and high ratios. In the case of a low ratio, the inferior behaviour is due to an increase in IR drop through increased cell resistance and the consumption of reactant gases (through gas cross-over). With a high electrolyte-loading ratio, analysis of the electrolyte fill level in each component after cell testing reveals that poor cell performance is caused by flooding of the cathode.