Dye-based fuel indicator system for fuel cells
US6998185B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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 dye mixture responsive to fuel concentration within a fuel solution. As fuel is consumed, the fuel concentration decreases. As the fuel concentration decreases, the dye changes color. The resulting color changes occur within the anode reservoir of the fuel cell, or within a dye chamber in fluid contact with the anode reservoir, and are made visible by a window. A color strip and fuel scale may be included to facilitate fuel concentration determination based on the color of the fuel solution. Additionally, a valve responsive to dye color may act to control fuel delivery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.