Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Source with Micro Pump Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small power sources, such as fuel cells, face challenges in providing surge currents for IoT devices like wireless sensors, and existing technologies like lithium batteries and zinc-air batteries have limitations in power density, specific energy, and environmental sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A chemical hydride ambulatory micro power source (CHAMPS) is developed, combining high energy density fuel cell technology with thermally optimized packaging and a micro pump to increase power density, using a hydrogen-producing fuel cell that recirculates water vapor to enhance hydrogen production and reduce environmental sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power source is made larger to satisfy surge currents, then surge current capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into two distinct functional components: a fuel cell stack for baseline power generation and a capacitor for surge current delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to provide high surge currents without proportionally increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the fuel cell stack and capacitor based on power demand. The capacitor is charged from the fuel cell during low-demand periods and discharged during high-demand surge events. This dynamic operation allows the system to deliver peak powers exceeding the continuous rating of the fuel cell without requiring the fuel cell to be sized for maximum surge conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional fuel cells are used, then energy density is improved, but power density remains insufficient for IoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two different energy storage and delivery mechanisms: the high energy density chemical storage of hydrogen fuel cells and the high power density electrical storage of capacitors. This combination creates a hybrid power source that achieves both ultra-high energy density (>2000 Wh/L) and sufficient power density for IoT surge requirements, overcoming the limitations of conventional fuel cells alone.
3Power
If lithium batteries are used, then power density is improved, but specific energy and environmental sensitivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the energy storage parameter from electrochemical (lithium battery) to chemical (hydrogen fuel), achieving ultra-high specific energy (>2000 Wh/kg) that exceeds lithium battery capabilities. The fuel cell operates at optimized temperature and pressure parameters to deliver sufficient power density while maintaining the high specific energy advantage of chemical hydrogen storage.
4Use of energy by moving object
If zinc-air batteries are used, then energy density is improved, but power density and environmental sensitivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the fuel cell and the load. It receives charge from the fuel cell during low-demand periods and delivers high-power surges during peak demand, enabling the system to achieve both high energy density and sufficient power density without the environmental sensitivity issues of zinc-air batteries.
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 achieves ultra-high power density of >2000 Wh/L and >2000 Wh/kg, overcoming limitations of conventional power sources by leveraging self-heating and convective mass transfer, while maintaining high energy density and specific energy, and providing reliable surge currents for IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
A power source includes a container and a fuel cell stack disposed within the container. The fuel cell stack has an anode side and a cathode side.
Implementation Method 2
A pump is disposed within the hydrogen producing fuel to circulate water vapor through the hydrogen producing fuel
Implementation Method 3
The solution achieves ultra-high power density of >2000 Wh/L and >2000 Wh/kg, overcoming limitations of conventional power sources by leveraging self-heating and convective mass transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A power source includes a container, a fuel cell stack disposed within the container, the fuel cell stack having an anode side and a cathode side, a hydrogen producing fuel disposed within the container and positioned to provide hydrogen to anode side of the fuel cell stack, and a pump disposed within the hydrogen producing fuel to circulate water vapor through the hydrogen producing fuel. A capacitor may be coupled to receive electricity generated by the fuel cell stack.