Patent · US Active

Flexible, multi-cartridge, reconfigurable/selectable air contaminant control system and method for fuel cells

US8882874B1 · kind B1 · utility

7Cited by
25References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 13, 2005
Grant dateNov 11, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 8, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E60/50
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A unique, multi-cartridge, easily re-configurable ambient air filter assembly (air contaminant control system) that removes particulate and gaseous chemical/biological contaminants from the incoming cathode air stream on a fuel cell or similar devices is described. The filter assembly is composed of individual filter cartridges (sub-assemblies) of various filtration media that are targeted at removing specific airborne contaminants. Combining specific sets of cartridges enables the filter assembly to be readily/rapidly configured (and re-configured) for specific applications—such as urban, rural, industrial, or military battlefield environments. Selection of correct media ensures complete removal of potential contaminants, enables rapid re-configuration to different environments, quick replacement of spent cartridges without disposal of non-spent media (reducing waste and cost). The invention concept is highly configurable to various sizes and shape fuel cells or other applications requiring clean ambient air by simply scaling the filter assembly size and air flow rates.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.