Integrated Fuel Cell Pump and Vaporizer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells using natural vaporization or capillary force for fuel supply face challenges in adjusting fuel supply according to power generation state, leading to unstable electric power and increased thickness due to joint sections between fuel supply and vaporization components.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design with an integrated fuel supply section and vaporization section, where the fuel supply amount can be adjusted using a piezoelectric pump, eliminating the need for separate piping and joint sections, allowing for flexible fuel supply and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If natural vaporization or capillary force is used for fuel supply, then device complexity is reduced, but fuel supply amount cannot be adjusted according to power generation state leading to unstable electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel supply section utilizes the pressure difference generated by the fuel cell's own operation (back pressure) to drive fuel supply, eliminating the need for external pumps or complex control systems. The system serves itself by converting operational byproducts (pressure) into useful function (fuel supply).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical pump systems with a pressure-driven flow system where fuel supply is controlled by pressure differential rather than mechanical actuation. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining adjustable fuel supply capability through pressure control.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate piping and joint sections are provided between fuel supply section and vaporization section, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device thickness is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel supply section and vaporization section are integrated into a single unified structure where the fuel supply channel is formed within the vaporization section body. This merging eliminates separate piping and joint sections, reducing device thickness while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated component design.
3Device complexity
If fuel supply amount is not adjusted according to power generation state, then device complexity is reduced, but fuel usage efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the back pressure generated during fuel cell operation as a feedback signal to automatically regulate fuel supply rate. The pressure differential created during power generation directly controls the fuel flow, creating a self-regulating system that improves fuel efficiency without complex control mechanisms.
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
This design enables stable electric power supply while thinning the fuel cell, preventing fuel leakage and maintaining high usage efficiency, with adjustable fuel supply matching power generation demands and reducing overall thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel supply section supplying the liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the power generation section side, and being able to adjust a supply amount thereof
Implementation Method 2
a fuel vaporization section vaporizing the liquid fuel supplied by the fuel supply section
Implementation Method 3
a fuel cell in which power generation is made by using chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidant... an electrolyte is arranged between an anode electrode (fuel electrode) and a cathode electrode (oxygen electrode)
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell capable of being thinned while maintaining a stable electric power supply is provided. A fuel cell includes a power generation section, a fuel tank, a fuel supply section (pump), and a fuel vaporization section. The power generation section has a structure in which a combined body is sandwiched between a cell plate and a cell plate. The combined body has a structure in which an anode electrode and a cathode electrode are oppositely arranged with an electrolyte film in between. In particular, the fuel supply section and the fuel vaporization section are integrally provided, and are connected by a nozzle section buried therein. A fuel contained in the fuel tank is pumped by the fuel supply section according to the state of the power generation section, and then is vaporized by the fuel vaporization section, and is supplied to the power generation section side.