Direct oxidation fuel cell operating with direct feed of concentrated fuel under passive water management
US7407721B2 · kind B2 · utility
12Cited by
61References
82Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A passive direct oxidation fuel cell system, which uses a high concentration fuel such as neat methanol as a direct feed to an anode aspect of the fuel cell, is provided. The fuel cell includes a passive water management capability, achieved by the combined functions of controlled fuel dosing, effective push back of liquid water from the cathode through the membrane electrolyte by a hydrophobic microporous layer well bonded to the cathode catalyst and the use of a thin ionomeric membrane. The rate of fuel delivery is controlled by a passive fuel transport barrier. Carbon dioxide management techniques are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.