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Apparatus and methods for generating water in a fuel cell system

a fuel cell and apparatus technology, applied in the field of fuel cells, can solve the problems of efficiency loss of the fuel cell system, and achieve the effect of increasing energy yield and reducing the size of the fuel supply

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-16
BECKMANN GERHARD +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient water generation within the fuel cell system, minimizing fuel crossover and system complexity, allowing for more concentrated fuel storage and simplified design, while maintaining efficient energy conversion.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the only loss to the fuel cell system is the efficiency loss due to the oxidation of the fuel to generate water, rather than electricity.

Method used

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  • Apparatus and methods for generating water in a fuel cell system
  • Apparatus and methods for generating water in a fuel cell system
  • Apparatus and methods for generating water in a fuel cell system

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second embodiment

[0038]FIG. 5 shows the invention in which a water generator 51 includes a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52 in a tubular shape. The tube is preferably, but does not need to be, in a fluted configuration. In this embodiment, a catalyst 55 has been applied to the inner surface 57 of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52. The fuel or fuel solution is introduced to the inside of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52 at one end. Air permeates the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52 to the inner surface of the material 57. Oxygen that is available on the inner surface 57 of the material then reacts with fuel in the presence of the catalyst 55, to produce carbon dioxide, water and heat. At least one other portion 54 of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52 is left uncatalyzed so that excess air and carbon dioxide may be vented from the inside of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable material 52. As a result, water or a diluted fuel ...

third embodiment

[0039]FIG. 6 shows the present invention in which a water generator / DMFC 61 includes a membrane electrode assembly 62 (MEA) configured for direct fuel oxidation and power generation. For purposes of illustration, and not by way of limitation, water generator / direct oxidation fuel cell 61, shall be referred to as “water generator / DMFC” herein. The MEA is enclosed in a housing 73 forming an anode chamber 66 between housing 73 and anode aspect of the PCM 65, and a cathode chamber 67 between the housing 73 and the cathode aspect of the PCM 63. Water generator / DMFC 61 may be substituted for water generator 23 (see FIG. 2). In a first operation mode, where no electricity is generated, air and fuel or fuel solution are introduced into the anode compartment 66 via openings 69 and 70 respectively. A catalyst that promotes the oxidation of fuel has been applied to the anode face of PCM, and thus the fuel is oxidized completely (i.e. into water and carbon dioxide) when introduced to the anode ...

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Abstract

Apparatus and methods for the generation of water in a direct oxidation fuel cell. Water, in addition to carbon dioxide and heat, is produced when carbonaceous fuel or fuel solution is oxidized in the presence of air and a suitable catalyst. This oxidation reaction is performed on a surface that allows for the introduction of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. Water produced can then be directly added to the fuel solution thereby diluting the fuel solution to a desired concentration, or may be separately and then later added to fuel solution for the normal fuel cell operations depending on the permeability of the membrane to water.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of fuel cells and, more specifically, to a direct methanol fuel cell system in which the need to store water in the system or fuel supply is minimized or eliminated through the provision of a water generator. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0002] Fuel cells are devices in which an electrochemical reaction is used to generate electricity. A variety of materials may be suited for use as a fuel depending upon the materials chosen for the components of the cell. Organic materials, such as methanol or natural gas, are attractive choices for fuel due to the their high specific energy. [0003] Fuel cell systems may be divided into “reformer-based” systems (i.e., those in which the fuel is processed in some fashion to extract hydrogen from the fuel before it is introduced into the fuel cell system) or “direct oxidation” systems in which the fuel is fed directly into the cell without the need for separate internal or e...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H01M8/04H01M8/06
CPCH01M8/04156H01M8/04186Y02E60/50H01M8/1011H01M8/04291
Inventor BECKMANN, GERHARDMUTOLO, PAUL F.DAILEY, WILLIAM W.
Owner BECKMANN GERHARD