Method and apparatus for maintenance of fuel cell cathode air quality with breathable hydrophobic membrane air filter
US6783882B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for maintaining fuel cell cathode air quality are provided. In particular, the method and the apparatus of the present invention provide air filtration that excludes liquids and solids from a fuel cell enclosure. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell enclosure can withstand being submerged in water, without allowing contaminants to enter the fuel cell enclosure. The depth at which the fuel cell could be submerged is dependant upon the pore size of the filter membrane. The present invention provides a filter having a gas permeable, hydrophobic, microporous polymer film to exclude material detrimental to the operation of the fuel cell. The invention allows a fuel cell apparatus to be provided that is capable of being submerged in water and exposed to environmental contaminants without damage to the fuel cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.