Expandable Enclosure Fuel Cell Power Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery formats face challenges in remote or emergency situations due to low energy density and self-discharge issues, and existing non-grid charging systems are inefficient for powering devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable fuel cell power source with an expandable enclosure containing a first reactant and optional fluid port, which generates fuel for integrated fuel cells when the reactants are contacted, allowing for compact storage and efficient power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional battery formats are used, then service intervals are convenient when grid power is available, but energy density is low and self-discharge limits life expectancy
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into modular units that can be independently replaced or recharged. Each module contains its own fuel cell stack, reactant storage, and balance of components, allowing selective replacement of depleted modules while retaining functional ones, thereby extending overall system operational duration without increasing individual module energy density requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested storage where secondary reactants are stored within the expandable enclosure alongside the primary reactant. The enclosure itself nests within a protective outer shell, and fuel cells are integrated within the same structural housing. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and enables compact high-energy-density configuration
2Reliability
If supplementary batteries are cached for remote use, then power availability is improved, but volume and weight increase due to low energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from conventional electrochemical battery storage to fuel cell-based power generation with external reactant storage. This parameter change from direct energy storage to on-demand generation enables significantly higher effective energy density, reducing the volume required for remote power caches while maintaining or extending operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable enclosure provides dynamic volume adjustment capability, allowing the system to occupy minimal space during transport and collapse to a compact form factor, then expand to full operational volume when deployed. This dimensional flexibility enables portable high-capacity power systems that would otherwise require fixed large-volume infrastructure
3Power
If non-grid charging systems are used, then power generation capability is provided, but power output is insufficient for most devices
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell system is designed to provide universal power generation capability across diverse applications and environmental conditions. The reactant storage system can be configured for various fuel types, and the fuel cell stack design accommodates different power output requirements, enabling the same basic system architecture to serve multiple functions from portable electronics to high-power devices without environmental dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant fuel cell modules that can be operated in parallel to scale power output. By copying the basic fuel cell unit design multiple times and configuring them in series or parallel arrangements, the system can match power requirements of various devices while maintaining operational independence from environmental conditions
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 solution provides a high-energy-density, compact, and efficient means of generating power suitable for remote or emergency use, with self-regulation mechanisms to manage fuel production and extend shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fuel cells and an optional fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.