Vapor feed fuel cells with a passive thermal-fluids management system
US7625649B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a fuel cell system, such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses passive approaches to thermal-fluids management. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that uses a passive fuel delivery system. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively transports water from the cathode or an external source to the anode. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively directs heat to an evaporation pad to facilitate evaporation of fuel. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that provides passive carbon dioxide gas management.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.