Secondary fuel cell

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a secondary fuel cell and, more particularly, to a secondary fuel cell having more efficient electrode structures.
In accordance with the teachings of this invention, a secondary fuel cell is formed as follows.
The fuel cell has a housing in which an electrolyte retaining zone is positioned to extend across a section of the housing.
An electrolyte is contained in the electrolytic retaining zone.
A pair of gas impermeable, ion permeable reservoir zone are located one on each side of the electrolyte retaining zone and they also extend across the cross section of the housing.
A pair of electrode zones are provided.
One such zone is located on the side of each of the pair of gas impermeable, ion permeable reservoir zones not in contact with the electrolyte retraining zone.
The pair of electrode structure is more efficient in operation recharge charging of the fuel cell.
A second of the electrode structure is more efficient in operation during discharge of the fuel cell.
A structure is secured to each end of the housing for defining gas containing zones for the fuel and the oxidant of the cell.
Electrical circuitry is provided for using during charging of the cell the electrode structures more efficient in charging and for using during discharge of the cell the electrode structures more efficient in discharging.
The use of the structure of this invention provides for a more efficient operation of the fuel cell in that the electrode of proper type is used during particular periods of operation of the cell.
The size of the respective charging and discharging electrodes may be tailored to the projected operational pattern of the cell.
Such various cycles could be, for example, slow discharge and rapid discharge or alternatively, rapid discharge and slow recharge or any place in between these two extremes.