Heat transfer compositions with high electrical resistance for fuel cell assemblies

#The present invention relates generally to heat transfer compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to heat transfer compositions with high electrical resistance for use in power-generating equipment or in engines. Such compositions are particularly useful in fuel cell assemblies.

#Heat transfer fluids (e.g., coolants) for internal combustion engines (“ICEs”) are known. Such fluids commonly contain about 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol (by weight) with trace amounts of additives, including corrosion inhibitors. However, the ICE may be obsolete within the coming decades. Fuel cells have emerged as a potential replacement. In general, a fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy. They provide several advantages over ICE. Fuel cells are more efficient in extracting energy from fuel (e.g., 60-70% efficiency as compared to 40% for turbodiesel engines and 30% for gasoline engines). Further, fuel cells are quiet and produce negligible emissions of pollutants. Also, the primary fuel source for the fuel cell is hydrogen, which is more readily available than ICE fuel sources (e.g., gasoline). However, replacement of the ICE with fuel cells may require the concomitant replacement of known heat transfer fluids.

#Typically, a fuel cell consists of an anode (a positively charged electrode), a cathode (a negatively charged electrode) and an electrolyte in between the two electrodes. Each electrode is coated with a catalyst layer. At the anode, a fuel, such as hydrogen, is converted catalytically to form cations, which migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode. At the cathode, an oxidant, such as oxygen, reacts at the catalyst layer to form anions. The reaction between anions and cations generates a reaction product, electricity and heat.

#In order that this invention may be more fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth. However, the detailed description is not intended to limit the inventions that are described by the claims.

#The present invention provides heat transfer compositions for use in fuel cell assemblies. More particularly, the present invention provides heat transfer compositions for use in fuel cell assemblies comprising:

#(a) from about 0% to about 90% by weight alcohol;