Fuel cell with integral fuel storage
US6080501A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel cell (30) has an internal fuel source (35) that is in a matrix around a membrane electrode assembly (29). The membrane electrode assembly is constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous metal that is formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The porous central core serves to distribute oxidant throughout the fuel cell. A cathode (23) is situated coaxially around the porous central core, and has a catalytic layer on the outer side. A solid polymer electrolyte (25) is situated coaxially around the cathode and in intimate contact with the catalytic layer. An anode (27) is situated coaxially around the electrolyte, and a second layer of catalytic material is situated between the electrolyte and the anode. A housing (31) contains the internal fuel supply and holds the membrane electrode assemblies in place.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.