Monolithic Fuel Cell with Integrated Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell technologies face challenges in miniaturization, particularly for power supplies in autonomous microsystems, as they are not compatible with CMOS technology and lack efficient hydrogen storage solutions, leading to complications in manufacturing and integration with mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic fuel cell design integrating a hydrogen storage unit, a proton conductive layer, and a cathode, with a stress compensation layer and diffusion barrier, allowing for direct coupling with a semiconductor substrate and enabling miniaturization while using CMOS-compatible materials, allowing for self-breathing operation without active components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fuel cells are miniaturized for autonomous microsystems, then power supply capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to tolerance requirements for mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates mechanical components such as valves, pressure regulators, and fittings from the miniaturized fuel cell system. By using a silicon-based monolithic structure with integrated hydrogen storage and direct proton exchange membrane fuel cell, the system removes the need for complex mechanical parts that would require precise tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining power supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single monolithic silicon structure: hydrogen storage unit, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and electrical connections are all integrated into one component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mechanical components and their associated fittings, reducing manufacturing complexity while providing complete power supply functionality
2Volume of moving object
If fuel cells are integrated with CMOS technology for autonomous microsystems, then miniaturization is improved, but compatibility with mechanical components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical systems with a monolithic silicon-based structure that is inherently compatible with CMOS technology. The fuel cell, hydrogen storage unit, and electrical connections are all integrated into a single silicon component, eliminating the need for mechanical fittings and valves that would be incompatible with standard CMOS manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic silicon structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the substrate, hydrogen storage container, fuel cell electrode support, and electrical connection pathway. This multi-functionality within a single component enables miniaturization while maintaining compatibility with CMOS technology, as no separate mechanical components are required
3Quantity of substance
If separate hydrogen storage units are used in miniaturized fuel cells, then energy density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the hydrogen storage unit directly with the fuel cell structure in a monolithic silicon configuration. The storage unit is integrated into the same silicon substrate as the fuel cell electrodes and proton exchange membrane, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks, valves, and connecting fittings. This integration maintains high energy density while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen storage unit is nested within the monolithic silicon structure, with the fuel cell components arranged around and around it. The storage unit is embedded in the silicon substrate, and the proton exchange membrane and electrodes are positioned to directly access the stored hydrogen, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes energy density while minimizing structural complexity
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 controlled hydrogen feeding, efficient energy storage, and separate capacity and output settings, facilitating miniaturization and integration with silicon chips, offering a cost-effective and environmentally compatible solution for autonomous microsystems.
Implementation Method 1
the storage unit is connected to the substrate at least via a stress compensation layer
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion barrier is formed between the storage unit and the substrate such that a reduced quantity of or preferably no hydrogen can escape from the storage unit towards the substrate
Implementation Method 3
a proton conductive layer and a cathode. The proton conductive layer covers a surface of said storage unit
Implementation Method 4
a fuel cell or a monolithic arrangement according to a CMOS technology is provided that includes a storage unit for storing hydrogen, a proton conductive layer and a cathode
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a fuel cell with a storage unit (4) for storing hydrogen (Hx), with a proton conductive layer, which covers a surface of the storage unit (4), and with a cathode (7) on a side of the proton conductive layer, which side is located opposite, wherein the storage unit (4) is directly coupled with an anode and/or the storage unit (4) is incorporated in a substrate (1) of a semiconductor. The storage unit (4) is preferably connected to the substrate (1) at least via a stress compensation layer (3).