Breakable Reservoir for Controlled Fuel Cell Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cells, particularly enzymatic biofuel cells, face challenges in controlled activation and deactivation due to the need for external liquid addition, which can lead to contamination and require separate measurement devices, increasing costs and environmental impact, and are sensitive to humidity, making them difficult to store and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained device with a breakable, pierceable, and deformable reservoir that separates from the anode and cathode, allowing for controlled activation and deactivation through pressure or piercing mechanisms, eliminating the need for external liquid addition and minimizing environmental impact, using materials like PVC, PCTFE, and aluminum for durability and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external liquid addition is used to activate fuel cells, then the cell can be activated and controlled, but contamination risks increase and separate measurement devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid reservoir is integrated within the fuel cell housing, nesting the storage function inside the device boundaries. This eliminates the need for external liquid addition while maintaining controlled activation capability through the integrated reservoir system.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement and liquid storage functions are merged into a single integrated reservoir system. The reservoir includes both storage capacity and measurement markings, combining what were previously separate components into one unified structure that reduces contamination risk.
2Ease of operation
If external liquid addition is used, then the cell can be activated, but separate measurement devices increase costs and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir integrates multiple functions: liquid storage, volume measurement through markings, and controlled delivery to the membrane. This single integrated component replaces what would otherwise require separate reservoir, pipette, and measurement device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it stores the liquid electrolyte, measures the required volume through integrated markings, controls the addition process, and protects the liquid until activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is accessible from outside for liquid addition, then liquid can be added, but contamination problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid reservoir is extracted from the external environment and placed inside the sealed housing. The liquid is delivered to the membrane through an internal delivery mechanism rather than external application, removing the membrane from direct exposure to external contamination sources during liquid addition.
Solution Approach 2:
An internal delivery mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed reservoir and the membrane. This intermediary system transfers the liquid through sealed pathways, preventing direct contact between external environment and the membrane during the liquid addition process.
4Ease of operation
If fuel cells are stored in humid environments, then they remain ready for use, but storage difficulty increases due to sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid electrolyte is extracted from the immediate cell structure and stored in a sealed reservoir. This separation allows the cell components to be stored in a dry state without requiring controlled humidity environments, while the liquid is protected in its sealed container until activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid is pre-loaded and sealed in the reservoir during manufacturing, preparing the cell for future activation without requiring the liquid to be present during storage. This preliminary action separates the storage and activation phases, allowing simple storage conditions followed by controlled activation when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables controlled and efficient activation and deactivation of fuel cells without external liquid input, reducing contamination risks and environmental impact, while being more stable and easier to store, with the ability to produce electrical energy independently of external inputs.
Implementation Method 1
said means for bringing said compound and said separator into contact with each other being, in particular, means for transferring a fluid and, in particular, a liquid
Implementation Method 2
a separator, such as a diffusion layer, allowing for the transfer of at least one compound capable of triggering and/or enabling a production and/or storage of electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
device for producing and/or storing electrical energy, particularly electrochemical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing and/or storing electrical energy (2), characterized in that the device comprises:an anode (4),a cathode (6),a separator (8) allowing for the transfer of at least one compound capable of triggering and/or enabling a production and/or storage of electrical energy (8), arranged between the anode (4) and the cathode (6), andat least one breakable, pierceable, and/or deformable reservoir (10) made of a compound capable of triggering and/or enabling a production and/or a storage of electrical energy, said reservoir (10) having means for bringing said compound and said separator (8) into contact with each other; said means for bringing said compound and said separator (8) into contact with each other being, in particular, means for transferring a liquid.