Density-based fuel indicator system for fuel cells
US6789421B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N9/36
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A means for determining the concentration of a hydrogen-rich fuel in a fuel solution within the anode reservoir of a fuel cell. The fuel concentration is determined using a float responsive to fuel solution density. As fuel is consumed, the fuel concentration decreases. As the fuel concentration decreases, the density of the fuel solution increases, causing the float to rise. A window may be included in the anode reservoir or in an attached float chamber to facilitate inspection of the position of the float. A fuel scale may be included to facilitate fuel concentration determination based on the position of the float within the fuel solution. Additionally, a valve responsive to float position may act to control fuel delivery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.