Compact Fuel Cell Package With Interconnect Reducing System Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell technologies are not commercially viable for portable electronic devices due to their large size and inability to provide efficient power density, limiting their application to industrial-scale generators rather than consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable fuel cell package is developed, incorporating a fuel cell and a fuel processor with an interconnect that reduces plumbing complexity and space, along with insulation to enhance thermal efficiency, allowing for higher power density and efficient energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional fuel cell systems are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but the system size is large and power density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support between the fuel processor and fuel cell, incorporates plumbing conduits for gas/liquid communication, and enables thermal management. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and external piping, directly reducing system volume while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plumbing conduits are nested within the interconnect structure itself rather than being external components. The interconnect contains internal channels that route reactants and products, allowing the plumbing system to occupy the same spatial envelope as the structural component, thereby reducing overall system volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fuel processor is added to produce hydrogen from fuel source, then portable applications become feasible, but plumbing complexity and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect merges the plumbing functions for both the fuel processor and fuel cell into a single integrated structure. Multiple conduits for different fluids (hydrogen, coolant, reactants) are incorporated within the interconnect body, eliminating the need for separate piping systems and reducing overall plumbing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, fluid transport, thermal management, and electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall plumbing system while enabling flexible fuel source operation.
3Productivity
If fuel cell operates at elevated temperatures, then electrical energy generation efficiency improves, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect converts the harmful heat loss into a beneficial thermal management solution. By incorporating thermal conduits within the interconnect structure, the system captures waste heat and routes it for useful purposes such as preheating reactants or maintaining optimal operating temperatures, thereby converting energy loss into productivity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnect acts as a thermal intermediary between the fuel cell and the external environment. It mediates heat transfer by providing controlled thermal pathways that can either retain heat within the system or dissipate it in a managed manner, optimizing the balance between operational temperature requirements and heat loss prevention.
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 fuel cell package with power densities greater than 30 Watts/liter, making it suitable for powering portable electronics such as laptop computers while minimizing size and heat loss, thus overcoming the limitations of existing fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
A fuel cell electrochemically combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The reformer receives the fuel source, outputs hydrogen, and includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel source
Implementation Method 3
The fuel cell package may also include insulation to decrease heat loss from the fuel cell and fuel processor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a compact and portable fuel cell package. The package includes a fuel cell that generates electrical energy. Some packages also include a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. Fuel cell packages described herein provide power densities (power per unit volume or mass) at levels not yet seen. One package employs an interconnect disposed at least partially between a fuel cell and a fuel processor. The interconnect forms a structural and plumbing intermediary between the two. Given the portable size of fuel cell packages described herein, the invention is well suited to power portable electronics devices. One portable fuel cell package includes a tether, which allows electrical and detachable coupling to an electronics device.