Simplified fuel handling system

The primary focus of ongoing research is to improve the performance of the cell and lower its cost. The principal areas of development are improving cell membranes, handling the CO in the fuel stream, and refining electrode design. There has been an effort to incorporate system requirements into the fuel cell stack in order to simplify the overall system. This work has included a move toward operation with zero humidification at ambient pressure and direct fuel use. 

In the present treatment the effect of the delayed neutrons and the effect of temperature-flux coupling on the reactor kinetics are handled separately along the general lines previously developed for the stationary-fuel systems. Although in general these two factors must be considered jointly, there are many practical situations wherein the two effects can be separated. The intent here is primarily to simplify the analysis so as to focus attention on one feature at a time. 

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