Fuel cell system internal to portable computer

Abstract

Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under U.S.C. §120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 877,766, filed Jun. 25, 2004 and entitled, “PORTABLE FUEL CARTRIDGE FOR FUEL CELLS”, which is incorporated herein for all purposes and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from: a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 482,996 filed Jun. 27, 2003 and entitled “Fuel cell system startup procedure and self-heating apparatus”, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes; b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 483,415 filed Jun. 27, 2003 and entitled “Refillable Smart Methanol Cartridge for Fuel Cells”, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes; and c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 483,416 filed Jun. 27, 2003 and entitled “Fuel Preheat in Portable Electronics Powered by Fuel Cells”, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to a portable storage device for a hydrogen fuel source that can be used in a fuel cell system. The device includes a bladder that contains the fuel source and conforms to its volume. The device also has a housing for protection and a connector for transferring the fuel source to a device that needs it. The invention also includes a hot swappable fuel storage system that allows for easy removal and replacement of the fuel source without shutting down the receiving device. The technical effects of the invention include improved portability, reliability, and flexibility in fuel cell systems that use hydrogen as a fuel source."

Problems solved by technology

Gaseous hydrogen has a low energy density that reduces its practicality as a portable fuel.

Liquid hydrogen, which has a suitable energy density, must be stored at extremely low temperatures and high pressures, making storing and transporting liquid hydrogen burdensome.

Portable fuel source storage devices that service portable electronics such as laptop computers would be desirable but are not yet commercially available.

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