Abstract

A power module of the type including a plurality of power cells arranged in a longitudinal stacked relation. Each power cell includes a frame, a gas-consuming cathode supported at one end of the frame and a consumable anode supported intermediate the ends of the frame by a flexible diaphragm spanning the frame. The diaphragm divides the frame into a chamber for the introduction thereinto of an electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and an expansion chamber on the opposite side of the anode for the introduction thereinto of fluid under pressure. The pressurized fluid biases the anode toward the cathode during anode consumption, and the diaphragm provides for longitudinal and angular movement of the anode to accommodate uneven corrosion of the anode. The frames of adjacent cells define a third chamber therebetween for the introduction of consumable gas to the cathode. An array of manifolds are formed throughout the frames of adjacent power cells for introducing electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, for introducing consumable gas to the cathode and for introducing fluid under pressure to the expansion chamber.